The US Department of Justice has announced they have seized 68 big cats from “Tiger King” star Jeff Lowe’s animal park in Thackerville, Oklahoma due to negligence.
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According to their statement, federal officers seized 46 tigers, 15 ligers(lion-tiger hybrid), and seven lions along with one jaguar. In their statement, the Dept. of Justice said Lowe and his wife, Lauren, have been accused of mistreating the animals at their park after they failed to provide them with veterinary care, shelter, and other factors to give the animals a healthy quality of life at the park. Back in December 2020, the couple has received numerous citations for their actions and did not follow court orders.
” During these inspections, the Lowes received citations for failing to provide the animals with adequate or timely veterinary care, appropriate nutrition, and shelter that protects them from inclement weather and is of sufficient size to allow them to engage in normal behavior. The Lowes were recently found in contempt after months of noncompliance with court orders requiring the Lowes, in part, to employ a qualified veterinarian and establish and maintain a program of veterinary care that meets the requirements of the Animal Welfare Act. The United States alleges that these violations as to ESA-protected animals also constitute violations of the ESA.”
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Lowe’s Animal Welfare Act exhibitor license was suspended back in August after he failed to provide proper and adequate care for the animals and relocated Joe Exotic’s park from Wynnewood to Thackerville. The property did not have proper licensing, leading to the Dept. filing a civil complaint in November.
SOURCE: CBS News