23-5-2024 (HANOI) In a shocking case of wildlife trafficking, authorities in Hai Duong Province, northern Vietnam, have initiated legal proceedings against a 44-year-old local resident for unlawfully raising two endangered tigers in captivity.
According to a statement issued by the provincial police on Tuesday, Dong Xuan Cong, a resident of Kim Thanh District, Hai Duong, has been charged with violating regulations on the protection of endangered and rare animal species.
The discovery of Cong’s illegal activities came to light on May 4th when police and rangers conducted a routine inspection in the area. During the operation, they uncovered a startling sight – two fully grown tigers, each weighing approximately 70 kilograms, confined within a steel cage on Cong’s property.
Remarkably, despite the unauthorized and potentially hazardous conditions, the majestic felines were reported to be in good health at the time of their rescue.
Under questioning, Cong admitted to purchasing the two tigers through illicit channels on social media, a revelation that has raised concerns about the pervasive online trade in endangered wildlife.
The Institute of Ecology and Biological Resources under the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology has confirmed that the tigers, scientifically known as Panthera tigris, are classified as a rare and endangered species in urgent need of preservation efforts.
Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the two tigers have been promptly transferred to the Hanoi Wildlife Rescue Center, which operates under the jurisdiction of the municipal Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. There, they will receive specialized care and attention as authorities determine the most appropriate course of action.
The Hai Duong police have vowed to conduct a thorough investigation into this case, leaving no stone unturned in their efforts to uncover the extent of Cong’s involvement in the illegal wildlife trade and identify any potential accomplices or larger criminal networks.
