Lion cubs, tigers found inside freezer in South Africa

JOHANNESBURG

Authorities in South Africa have found several dead lion cubs and tigers hidden inside a chest freezer at a hunting farm located in the country's North West province, local media reported.

The dead cats were found recently by inspectors from the Wildlife Protection Unit during a routine check at the Pienika farm which was accused of reported animal abuse, according to news site IOL.

Inspectors said when they visited the farm to investigate they found a dead lion cub left in a storeroom, two cubs in serious physical condition hidden in a crate, and a freezer full of 20 baby lions and tiger carcasses.

Authorities said the two cubs found at the farm appeared to have been suffering from a neurological condition. ''Both their front and back legs were paralyzed, their heads were bobbing involuntarily,'' the report said, adding that the cubs were later euthanized by a local veterinarian.

Animal conservationists are demanding authorities to take tough action against the owner of the hunting farm whom they accuse of long term and sustained neglect of animals at the farms.

Conservationists say if serious action is not taken other lions could face a similar fate since most lion breeding farms breed the animals for the lion bone trade. There are over 300 lion breeders in South Africa.

“With the increasing profit-driven commodification of lion products, especially when all the breeder needs is the lion’s skeleton, there is no incentive to keep these animals healthy,” said Linda Park, director of the Voice4Lions.

“In an attempt to maximise profit, it is inevitable that even the most basic needs, such as adequate food and shelter as well as medical care, are lacking,'' Park said.

JOHANNESBURG

Authorities in South Africa have found several dead lion cubs and tigers hidden inside a chest freezer at a hunting farm located in the country's North West province, local media reported.

The dead cats were found recently by inspectors from the Wildlife Protection Unit during a routine check at the Pienika farm which was accused of reported animal abuse, according to news site IOL.

Animal conservationists are demanding authorities to take tough action against the owner of the hunting farm whom they accuse of long term and sustained neglect of animals at the farms.

“In an attempt to maximise profit, it is inevitable that even the most basic needs, such as adequate food and shelter as well as medical care, are lacking,'' Park said.