Uncertain future for big cats after tiger outbreak

Following the escape of a tiger from a private enclosure belonging to a former circus performer near Leipzig, the whereabouts of the remaining eight big cats have not yet been clarified. Work is continuing to improve the situation of the tigers, the responsible district office in North Saxony announced on request.

The owner is still being asked to fulfill the requirements of the mammal report. According to this, an outdoor enclosure of at least 200 square meters must be available for tigers, and 100 square meters more for each additional adult animal. Otherwise, the animal population must be adapted to the currently available space, the statement continued.

Landratsamt: Removal of the animals is an option

As the keeper is resisting the conditions, the conclusion of the proceedings is not yet foreseeable. However, if it is determined that the conditions imposed by the district authority to ensure animal welfare are justified and no adjustments are made, the removal of the animals is a possible option.

Almost two weeks ago, an adult male tiger escaped from the facility in an industrial estate in Dölzig near the Autobahn 9. A 72-year-old helper of the artist was seriously injured. The police shot the tiger in the area of an allotment garden. The public prosecutor's office has launched an investigation into negligent bodily harm by omission.

Owner wants to keep big cats

According to media reports, the owner herself had said that she had done nothing wrong. "My main goal at the moment is not to lose my animals," she emphasized. She herself was not at the scene of the incident.