Wainfleet Cites Risk, Seizes Tigers and Hyena

Wainfleet township officials have ordered the removal of three tigers and a hyena from a local property, citing concerns over public safety and an exotic animal bylaw. Zohaib Masood, the owner, had been keeping two adult tigers, a juvenile tiger, and a hyena on a property for the past year, unaware he was contravening a township bylaw.

Masood's request for an exemption to keep the animals was denied by township officials, who stated the animals posed too great a risk to residents. Mayor Brian Grant emphasized public concern and the potential for incidents. Despite Masood's efforts to have the animals remain, the township maintained that Wainfleet is not a suitable location for such exotic species.

Last November, Ontario's chief animal welfare inspector seized the juvenile tiger and the hyena due to inadequate care, including insufficient food and water. An appeal by Masood to have these two animals returned was dismissed on March 9 by the Ontario Animal Care Review Board. The ruling confirmed the seizure was necessary to alleviate the animals' distress.

The province subsequently took ownership of the juvenile tiger and the hyena. By a March 16 deadline, Masood was required to remove the two adult tigers from Wainfleet. He has since relocated them within Canada, stating they are in a safe and well-cared-for environment, though he declined to disclose their new location.