Destruction of 5 Frozen Tiger Specimens

On December 21, 2023, the Huong Son District Police (Ha Tinh province) in collaboration with other relevant agencies discovered that N.T.D (born in 1973, residing in TDP 5, Tay Son town, Huong Son district, Ha Tinh province) was illegally possessing 5 tiger specimens. According to the appraisal results, these 5 individuals were dead and stored in frozen conditions. These tigers, scientifically named Panthera tigris, are classified as endangered and rare species in the Red Book and are subject to strict protection.

The subject confessed that he had purchased these 5 individuals from a Lao woman at Lak Sao market, Khamkeuth district, Bolikhamsai province, Laos, for personal use. Subsequently, the Huong Son District Police Investigation Agency issued a decision to prosecute and arrest N.T.D for the crime of “Violating regulations on the protection of endangered and rare animals.”On August 28, the Huong Son District Evidence Destruction Council (Ha Tinh province) organized the destruction of the 5 dead tiger specimens in the aforementioned case.

The destruction of the tiger specimens by the authorities. (Photo: Quang Tuan)

It can be said that the illegal trade and possession of wildlife not only threatens the number of animal populations but also has a negative impact on the environment and the community. In the above case, the fact that the tigers were claimed to have been purchased from Laos by the subject shows the complexity and difficulties in preventing cross-border wildlife trafficking.

This incident is a warning to us about the current state of wildlife trafficking. To protect rare animals like tigers, we need to act more strongly and decisively. This is not only the responsibility of the authorities but also the responsibility of every individual in society. Only with the joint efforts of everyone can we hope to protect wild animals from the risk of extinction.

Information source: Tien Phong newspaper