In many states
tigers can be owned as pets. There are some states where it is
easier to buy a tiger than it is to adopt a dog from the local
shelter. Individuals, often well intentioned and frequently
misled by the breeders, acquire a cub a few weeks or months
old. The new owner is told to have the tiger de-clawed and
sometimes defanged. Some sellers will do it for you without
vet supervision. In all cases it is painful and frequently
done improperly and causes lifelong health problems.
The tiger is
fully grown at 3 years old, at which point
it is at least 10 times stronger than its owner. The tiger
becomes a threat to the owner, his or her family and
neighbors. Enclosures have to be enlarged and strengthened,
the tiger may be taunted by neighborhood kids, vet treatment
is difficult, repeated tranquilization can affect the cats
kidneys, and the cost to properly feed and provide medical
care can be $5,000 per year.
At this point if
the owner no longer wants the tiger, there are few options.
There are no shelters or adoption facilities as there are for
domestic cats, and zoos wont accept it because it is a
hybrid. A few lucky ones end up in one of the few good
sanctuaries. The rest end up in bad places or dead.
Cynthia Gamble who
lived in Minnesota had 3 tigers. In 2006 one of them killed
her when she went into its cage. In 2004 Cynthia had filed for
bankruptcy, the tiger was half its normal body weight and was
starving to death.
Pet owners can
become pet hoarders. In 2008 David Mallory, a successful
Mississippi contractor, had collected 38 big cats. His
business failed in the recession, and he walked away leaving
them to starve.
Zanesville, Ohio - October 18, 2011:
animals including 18 tigers shot dead
after owner sets them loose and commits suicide
