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Exotic Incident #2721

Incident Date:
01/31/2005
Location:
Moorpark, CA - USA
Facility Name:
Facility Type:
Exotic Pet (E)
Incident Category:
Escape of animal (EA)
Species:
Big Cats
Animal:
Lion, tiger, snow leopard, bobcat, lynx
Animal disposition:
Removed/Re-housed

Summary:

An escaped lynx was found 1/8 of a mile from the property of Abby and Emma Hedengrans. He was tranquilized by Fish and Game wardens and taken to a state-run animal holding center. About three days after the lynx was trapped, Abby Hedengran showed up to claim the 90-pound cat, which triggered an inspection of the property he and his wife rented. Authorities found three lions, two tigers, a snow leopard and 16 smaller cats, including bobcats and lynx, in a barn or running free inside the Hedengrans’ mobile home. The animals were not in permanent cages, as required by law. The cats were immediately transferred to various sites in California and Nevada, including a sanctuary in Las Vegas. The Hedengrans were also responsible for the escape and death of a tiger (see 2/23/05 incident).

Action take by Born Free USA:

Notes:

http://articles.latimes.com/2005/mar/17/local/me-tiger17