Authorities move in at Schkeuditz over private tiger keeping – animal had previously been shot by police

The facility, which is now the subject of official intervention, is located near the A9 motorway in an industrial area in Dölzig, a district of the town of Schkeuditz. An operation by the veterinary office, supported by police forces, has been underway there since Wednesday morning, as the Nordsachsen district office announced. The focus is on the seizure of the animals by the responsible authorities.

The keeper and the allegations

According to reports, the keeper is Carmen Zander, who is known in the region as the "Tiger Queen." She had previously resisted official requirements regarding the keeping of the big cats, according to media reports. The authorities accuse her of violating the minimum requirements for the housing of tigers.

According to the applicable regulations, an outdoor enclosure of at least 200 square meters must be available for one to two tigers. For each additional adult animal, an additional 100 square meters is required. Whether these requirements were met at the facility in Dölzig is now part of the ongoing review.

Legal framework

Police and the veterinary office moved in at the private facility, as MDR reported citing the operational forces. Spokespersons for the agencies involved initially remained cautious about the details of the operation, as it was still ongoing. The investigation into the exact course of the escape and possible responsibilities continues.

The authorities announced that the animals would be transferred to suitable facilities. How many animals are affected in total and what conditions they found in the private facility was initially unclear. Animal welfare organizations have repeatedly pointed out the risks of private big cat keeping in the past.

Reactions and open questions

Possible criminal consequences for the keeper were initially not known. There were also no further details regarding the identity of the seriously injured 72-year-old. Police had classified the incident as a tragic accident in connection with the escape.

The case has attracted attention beyond Saxony since the incident. Discussions about the permissibility of private keeping of big cats and about the control mechanisms of the responsible veterinary offices have received new impetus from the case. The Nordsachsen district office also apparently feels compelled to explain its approach in the specific case.