TAMPA — Big Cat Rescue in Tampa is offering a $5,000 reward for knowledge main to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible for killing a young female Bengal tiger in Texas final week.

The tiger’s body was found next to Interstate 35E in Dallas Christmas Day. The animal, which had been declawed, was wearing a makeshift collar and leash. It was shot five times in the face and chest.

"A lot of humans have animals in private ownership and can’t take care of them,’’ said Scott Lope, operations manager at Big Cat. "It’s such a tragedy that these animals are so disposable.”

A necropsy was performed at the Dallas Zoo where five shell casings were found in the 180-pound cat.
Chuck Siegel, deputy director of the Dallas Zoo, said he believes the tiger may have become more than the owner could handle.

"It hits home so much for us considering Florida and Texas have the most pet tigers in private ownership,” Lope said.

Big Cat, which has been working with Texas authorities, already has passed on a few tips, Lope said.
Anyone with knowledge is asked to sign (813) 920-4130.

–Jackie Ripley, Times staff writer

Original post by Times staff