Arizona man arrested for allegedly trying to sell tiger cubs
A man identified as Carlos Eduardo Castro Alcaraz, 25, has been arrested on suspicion of keeping tiger cubs, which is illegal. We’ve spotted many other animals, including FOX 10’s Steve Nielsen reports.
phoenix – Police say the man was in illegal possession tiger A person was arrested for trying to sell a cub and its animal.
phoenix Police said 25-year-old Carlos Eduardo Castro Alcalaz was arrested on January 23. The investigation began after officers received a tip that Alcalaz was trying to sell a tiger cub for $25,000 on social media. Detectives reportedly posed as buyers and negotiated a price of $20,000.
The tiger was recovered when officers issued a search warrant at a home near 27th Street and Baseline Road.
“When they were issuing the search warrant, I heard a tiger moaning in the background. I heard something was wrong,” the sergeant said. Phoenix Police Department Brian Bauer. “Specifically, the tiger was in a very small cage, like a cage like a kennel. About two-thirds of a foot.”
A few other animals were also found inside the house, including a baby turtle and a baby alligator in a small tank. All animals were turned over to the Arizona Game and Fish Division.
Police said Alcaraz claimed he bought the tiger for $8,000 because the owner did not take care of it. Alcaraz was released from custody, but no one came to his door. On the other hand, the garbage bag outside was decorated with a blanket printed with a stray cat. A neighbor in Alcaraz said he heard only dogs and no tigers.
Officials say they don’t know where Alcalaz got the exotic animal, but they’re trying to figure it out.
Experts shocked by what happened
Wildlife experts were shocked to learn what conditions the exotic animals were kept in. They were also shocked that the animal was found in a private home in violation of state law.
Wildlife World Zoo President Christy Hayden said: “This is a global problem and one that has a huge impact on the population of these tigers.”
Hayden said there is a reason exotic animals are in properly certified facilities. Most professionals treat adult tigers through protective barriers.
“That little one grows up to be a 500-pound tiger, and tigers are apex predators,” Hayden said. “Not only does that tiger hurt you, it makes everyone around you responsible. And if something happens, the tiger can pay in the end.”
Arizona headline
