Tiger King Roadside Zoo Ordered to Give Up Big Cats by Oklahoma Judge

Former owner of Oklahoma roadside zoo, Joe Exotic, pictured with a captive tiger.

U.S. District Judge John F. Heil III of Oklahoma has ordered that the owners of the roadside zoo featured in tiger king hand over their exotic cats to the federal government. The judge cited violations of the Endangered Species Act (1973) and Animal Welfare Act (1966). This is another example of a trend in federal judges citing the Endangered Species Act in cases where endangered animals are breed and mistreated.

Jonathan Brightbill, the acting assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division was quoted saying, “The Lowes have showed a shocking disregard for both the health and welfare of their animals, as well as the law.”

This ruling marks another victory for animal rights activists who have been pressuring both federal and state governments to crack down on exotic cat owners, especially those featured in Netflix hit Tiger King.

For full story on Associated Press News