Overview
- Bolton Equities decided the sanctuary’s seven remaining lions, aged 18 to 21, would be euthanised this week.
- The sanctuary told Yahoo News that two lions with known health and welfare issues were euthanised on Wednesday.
- MPI says the decision rests with the owner, with an on-site inspector verifying compliance with welfare law.
- Release to the wild is not possible and suitable placements are difficult due to the lions’ age and lifelong captivity.
- Public backlash has grown as World Animal Protection urges a halt and government action, while the sanctuary reports buyer interest that could allow the remaining cats to stay.