The mayor of Wainfleet, Ontario, has issued a firm order for the removal of two tigers from a residential property, citing significant public safety risks under the town's exotic animal bylaw. Zohaib Masood, the owner of the tigers, must relocate the animals by Monday, as the municipality lacks the resources to handle potential escapes or emergencies involving such large predators.
Safety Concerns in a Residential Area
Mayor Brian Grant emphasized the grave dangers posed by keeping tigers in a densely populated neighborhood. "The risk is real," Grant stated. "He's in a residential area. We're talking homes everywhere, so that's obviously our No. 1 concern." The town does not have specialized staff or equipment to manage escaped tigers, and Grant highlighted scenarios like fires where emergency responders could face life-threatening situations with loose animals.
Owner's Perspective and Safety Measures
Masood, who has been housing the tigers on his former mushroom farm in the southern Niagara Region township since last fall, defended his safety protocols. He described multiple layers of security, including perimeter fencing set four feet out and at least four locked doors to access the animals. "We went above and beyond to make sure they were safe and to follow zoo guidelines," Masood explained. He added that he never witnessed the tigers showing interest in escaping.
The tigers, named Jagger and Aspen, are one-year-old hybrids of Bengal and Siberian cats. Jagger weighs approximately 350 pounds, while Aspen is around 250 pounds. Masood acquired them after rescuing them from individuals in Ontario who initially kept them as pets but could not manage their care. "The novelty is like, oh my god, it's a cute little baby, but they don't realize the time and effort and understanding that goes into it," he said.
Search for a New Home
As of Saturday, Masood had not finalized a location to move the tigers. "I've got a few options, but I just haven't decided where to put them," he mentioned, expressing confidence in finding a suitable place. With a chuckle, he quipped, "If not, I'll come to your house and drop them off." Masood has a history of rescuing exotic animals, including a lion from the North Bay area that was kept in a shed, describing it as a "huge passion."
Legal and Community Implications
Wainfleet's exotic animal bylaw explicitly prohibits keeping tigers, and Masood approached the town council seeking an exemption. However, the council upheld the bylaw due to the inherent risks. The situation underscores broader issues of exotic pet ownership and municipal regulations in Ontario. This case follows other incidents in the province, such as an Ontario zoo owner charged with animal cruelty and breeders selling lion and tiger cubs as pets.
The mayor reiterated the importance of adhering to local laws to protect residents. "We don't have the resources to handle a situation like that," Grant said, emphasizing that public safety must come first. The order highlights the challenges communities face in balancing individual passions with collective security in urban and suburban settings.
