Indiana officers seize tigers, lions, other big cats

Statement as issued Tuesday by Indiana conservation officers:

Indiana Conservation Officers on Tuesday took possession of four tigers, plus a lion, bobcat and mountain lion that were housed at a licensed facility in White County, pending an administrative review of alleged violations of state laws.

The animals were taken from a facility known as Great Cats of Indiana in Idaville after a Conservation Officer conducted a wild animal permit inspection at the facility.

The facility’s director, Rob Craig of Idaville, has permits from the DNR to possess the animals, but the inspection by ICO Cpl. Todd Pekny found violations of laws governing those permits.

The seven animals were transferred to another facility licensed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The White County Sheriff’s Department and White County Animal Control assisted with Tuesday’s operation.

http://www.journalgazette.net/article/20120529/BLOGS01/120529524/1196/FEAT18