Three arrested after dozens of dead animals found in freezer

[pojo]

Dead tigers, cubs found at sanctuary

Three arrested after dozens of dead animals found in freezers

ASSOCIATED PRESS

RIVERSIDE, Calif., April 23

As many as 30 tigers and other big cats were found dead along with 58 cubs in a freezer at a home connected to a nonprofit animal sanctuary, authorities said.

JOHN WEINHART, who runs Tiger Rescue and had previously been accused of improperly caring for tigers, was arrested Tuesday for investigation of animal cruelty and child endangerment, because some of the animals were found inside the house, where Weinhart lived. Also arrested were Weinhart's wife, Marla Smith, and veterinarian Wendelin Ringel.

State Department of Fish and Game investigators who raided the home also seized 13 tiger and leopard cubs, some 3 to 4 weeks old, and two alligators. A spokesman for Tiger Rescue, a refuge for former animal performers, said all the animals were cared for properly.

"We don't feel we've done anything wrong," Steve Jeffries said. "We have enough food, water and shelter for all the cats."

Jeffries said the dead cubs were kept frozen because "we want to make sure there's nothing infectious." He said the organization had not yet examined the carcasses. Animal Services spokesman Ralph Rivers said it will be impossible to determine what killed the animals because of the advanced state of decomposition. "It was a very nasty scene out there," he said.

Weinhart, who is licensed by the state to keep tigers and other big cats, had already been scheduled to stand trial next month in San Bernardino County on 10 misdemeanor charges stemming from what prosecutors say was improper care of tigers at Tiger Rescue. The State Department of Fish and Game removed 10 tiger cubs from Tiger Rescue in November, saying the sanctuary in Colton didn't have the proper permits for the cubs and the agency was concerned about their welfare.

© 2003 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

That is gross. This situation reminded me of Jeffrey Dahmer...that I'll open a can of worms if I go that route.

[weatherwunder]

They should string this guy up!

[Amanzi]

I would like to put anyone who hurts animals IN the cage with the those cats! Lets see who is the stronger speceis!

[Stephanie]

:grr: I would like to put anyone who hurts animals IN the cage with the those cats! Lets see who is the stronger speceis!

I agree Amanzi!

I would just like to see them locked in the freezer so they would freeze to death themselves!

[TexasStooge]

No, do the same thing they've been doin' to those animals.