Tigers found in Gaston, Cleveland counties N.C

Tigers found in Gaston, Cleveland counties; owner sought

[size=-1]01:31 PM EST on Monday, January 10, 2005 [/size]

[size=-1]By TYRONE RICHARDSON / Special to The Charlotte Observer [/size]

Animal-control and law-enforcement officers are looking for housing options and the owner of two tigers captured this weekend while roaming Gaston and Cleveland counties.



Motorists spotted the two female tigers wandering around 10 p.m. Saturday. Officials said they are young, 100-pound siblings.



Sheriff's and animal-control officers from both counties searched for about an hour before locating one along the 2900 block of County Line Road. Authorities could not provide an address of where they captured the other tiger.



The sisters were being held at separate animal-control facilities -- isolated from other animals -- because they were captured in different counties. Officials said the tigers were in good condition, only suffering a few cuts and scratches on their ears and noses.



Nobody was reported injured by the tigers.



Animal-control officers called a veterinarian to get advice on how to care for the animals, particularly their diet.



"Before we called in the veterinarian, we got the (tiger) a few hot dogs," said Sam Lockridge III, coordinator of health services for Cleveland County. "We talked to the vet and used another type of meat."





6NEWS

A tiger captured in Cleveland County chews on the wire cage.




In zoos, tigers eat commercially prepared meat -- about four pounds per day -- and occasional bones to keep their teeth healthy, said Lorraine Smith, curator of mammals at the N.C. Zoo in Asheboro.



Authorities are investigating the incident and searching for the owner of the tigers. As of Sunday night, nobody had claimed them.



"We'd like the owner of the animals to come forward," Lockridge said.



"The animals are very tame and appear to be raised around people."



Tigers are not allowed in Cleveland and Gaston counties under their wild and exotic animal ordinances.



Reggie Horton, Gaston County Animal Control director, said those who owned an exotic animal before the ordinance was passed in the mid-1990s are allowed to keep the animal, but must register it with the county. Horton said his staff does not have any registered tigers on file.



If found with an illegal exotic animal, the owner could face civil or criminal fines and penalties, he said.



"We've seen a gamut, but as far as my recollection, these are the first tigers that I'm aware of," Horton said.



The N.C. Zoo does not house tigers.



"We can help them out with suggestions on food, but my guess is we won't be able to take them in unless it's a very temporary situation," said Rod Hackney, a spokesman for the N.C. Zoo.



"We don't have tigers. Our lions would not get along well with tigers."