Lions, Cougars Counting on Care

In-Synch takes in eight malnourished big cats

Commentary
by Bruce Felps

Mistreatment of animals in North Texas extends way beyond puppy mills and tortured housecats.

Large exotic cats such as lions and cougars also face harsh, deplorable conditions. Members of both species recently were rescued from “filthy, feces-laden enclosures in a barn with no air circulation,” according to a press release, in Poetry, Texas. How ironic.

One cougar was found dead, and 12 other cats were placed with sanctuaries in Indiana and New Jersey. Eight — four cougars and four lions — ended up at In-Sync Exotics Wildlife Rescue and Education Center in Wylie.

The heavyweight felines are in a far better place — no, not that — now but still have an uphill battle to good health. The tail of one dropped off, geez, because of an unknown condition. Some had broken bones, at least one suffers from toxoplasmosis, a parasite of the brain, and others were diagnosed with pneumonia. All suffered from malnutrition and dehydration.

Professionals and volunteers at the In-Sync sanctuary take care of the hard part — nursing the animals back to health, feeding, caring — but they could use a little backup in the way of donations.

They hope to raise $100,000 — hey, these ain’t no little pussycats — for vet care, food, and new shelters for the abused, recovering animals.

Can ya help a kitty out?


Bruce Felps owns and operates East Dallas Times, an online community news outlet serving the White Rock Lake area. He always sides with the animals.
 

Copyright FREEL - NBC Local Media
Contact Us