Thailand Tiger Temple Run by Buddhist Monks Faces Allegations of Animal Abuse

03-600Wildlife officials have begun removing some of the 137 tigers held at a Buddhist temple in Thailand. The monks in charge of the temple have been accused of illegal breeding and trafficking of animals. Forty dead tiger cub carcasses were found in a freezer at the temple. Thai police stopped a truck carrying tiger skins and other animal parts as it was leaving the site. Two temple staffers in the truck were arrested and charged with possession of illegal wildlife. A monk traveling with them is expected to be defrocked. Tiger parts sell for thousands of dollars and are in high demand because of their use in traditional medicine. The tigers will be taken to two government animal centers elsewhere in Thailand.

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