HOUSTON – A tiger that was found three months ago inside a vacant Houston home was never abandoned, according to the family of the animal’s owner.
Brittany Garza, 24, has been charged with cruelty to nonlivestock animals in connection with the Feb. 11 discovery at a home on Avenue J in southeast Houston. Court documents accused Garza of failing to provide adequte food, water and veterinary services.
Investigators said the 400-pound male tiger was found by a woman who waited nearly a week before she called 311 to report the animal. In the call, the woman said she had gone to the house because she met a man who said he needed to go to a house and feed his tiger. She said the animal was being kept in a small cage.
Authorities seized the tiger and it has since been relocated to the Cleveland Amory Black Beauty Ranch in Murchinson.
Garza said she had bottlefed and raised the tiger, which she named Raja, and that the large cat was never abandoned. She said the animal was about to be transported to its new home when it was found by police.
"I’m willing to face them (charges), but I don’t see any type of animal cruelty that was done," Garza said. "He’s always had food (and) water."
Garza’s mother said her daughter got the tiger nearly two years ago through a man she knew. She said Raja was only being kept at the home for a short time, while her daughter was working to relocate him to a ranch in College Station.
Garza said she has not contested the seizure and relocation of Raja to the Cleveland Amory Black Beauty Ranch, which has asked the public to help name the animal. She just wants workers to keep his name the same.
"Just so he can know (that) I didn't forget about him," Garza said.
In a statement, officials at Cleveland Amory Black Beauty Ranch said they have been granted custody of the animal and are happy to assume his care.
“This tiger has been with us since February and he does not recognize the name ‘Raja,’” officials said in their written statement. “A wild animal should not have to live in captivity at all but we are happy to step in and assume the responsibilities of caring for him properly for the rest of his life, including giving him a new name.”
Garza’s mother her daughter has been emotional ever since the tiger was taken. She said there are other people who own exotic animals, and she doesn’t want her daughter to be made an example of by authorities.
Garza said she understood why the woman called authorities, but maintains that she was taking care of Raja.
"I guess I don’t blame her," Garza said. "I don’t feel that she was worried or concerned about him for making the call. It was just her trying to get at somebody."
Editor's note: This story has been updated to clarify that Brittany Garza is ther person who has been charged in connection with the case.