The UK’s only Asian Golden Cat is among 28 rare and endangered cats being rehomed after a sanctuary boss was convicted over animal welfare offences.
The group of big and small cats including the critically endangered Amur leopard, and species of Eurasian Lynx and Servals and Pumas are being rescued by Hertfordshire Zoo and The Big Cat Sanctuary in Kent.
The sister sites are working with local authorities, police and veterinary teams and are responsible for caring for the animals while new homes are being found for them.
Cam Whitnall, project lead at The Big Cat Sanctuary said: “Our mission is to find these cats the best possible forever homes.
“Unfortunately, not all will be able to be rehomed due to significant health issues, but we are committed to giving these beautiful creatures the care and dignity they deserve.”
So far 14 of the cats have been rehomed, including Frank the Asian Golden Cat and Boson, a Fishing Cat, who have been welcomed to The Big Cat Sanctuary.
According to the sanctuary, Frank is the only Asian Golden Cat in the UK and one of just seven in European zoos as part of the European Endangered Species Programme.
Mr Whitnall added: “We are very excited to welcome Frank and Boson to our sanctuary but devastated that it is under these sad circumstances.
“Both cats have received full health checks, and are being closely monitored whilst they settle into new enclosures that mimic their natural habitat.”
The move comes after the owner of Cat Survival Trust, Terrence Moore was disqualified from keeping animals for five years and ordered to pay costs of £14,380 on May 30 2024, according to Hertfordshire Constabulary.
The ban was suspended ahead of a further court date to finalise sentencing, which is yet to be heard.
Moore, 78, of Codicote Road, Welwyn, in Hertfordshire, was found guilty of four counts of causing unnecessary suffering to animals by failing to seek proper and necessary veterinary care, and seven counts of using an endangered animal species for commercial gain without a licence following a trial at St Albans Crown Court in April and May last year.
The force added Moore was acquitted of eight counts of causing unnecessary suffering, and four counts of commercial gain.
James Cork, head keeper at Hertfordshire Zoo which is leading the rehoming efforts, said: “While we are dedicated to caring for these animals, our primary goal is to rehome them.
“In the meantime, we are focused on enhancing their quality of life by improving enclosure cleanliness, optimising their diets, and ensuring better weight management.”
