HOUSTON (AP) — The ex-owner of a tiger rescued from a filthy cage in an abandoned house in Houston has been charged with animal cruelty.
Houston police Wednesday arrested 24-year-old Brittany Garza on the misdemeanor count involving a non-livestock animal. She’s free on $100 bond. An attorney for Garza, Jay Cohen, declined comment Thursday.
The Cleveland Amory Black Beauty Ranch in Murchison has cared for the 350-pound tiger since it was found in February by people entering the house to smoke marijuana.
A judge in April ruled the sanctuary, located 70 miles southeast of Dallas, can keep the tiger and that Garza must pay nearly $12,000 for the animal’s care.
The shelter is doing an online poll to name the tiger. The choices are Ezekiel, George, Loki or Navi.