Trucker Cited After Semi Hauling 12 Tigers Breaks Down In Kentucky
A semi truck tire blowout has left a trucker and 12 thirsty tigers stranded in Kentucky.
We’re told Dept. Wildlife is citing company for not having proper permits to transport exotic animals, onlookers upset @LEX18News pic.twitter.com/NFPxeSQPsf
— Kylen Mills LEX 18 (@KylenMills) April 11, 2017
It all started when a truck driver out of Sarasota was contracted to drive a load of circus tigers from a performance in South Carolina to Chicago. Last night, the truck driver’s rig blew a tire while passing through Frankfort, Kentucky, leaving both the trucker and tigers stranded in the parking lot of a strip mall. The trucker stayed in a hotel while the tigers remained in their cages in the truck.
Frankfort authorities were contacted about the incident this morning. The tigers reportedly had food but were out of water, so employees from the Frankfort Street Department were called to the scene to provide water for the animals.
BREAKING: truck full of tigers breaks down in Frankfort, reportedly ran out of water, city had to bring more to water them @LEX18News pic.twitter.com/ynDkxJtT2E
— Kylen Mills LEX 18 (@KylenMills) April 11, 2017
The truck driver will not leave Kentucky without a couple of tickets. He was cited by the Department of Fish and Wildlife for failing to have the proper permits to transport the tigers through the state. He was also cited for a motor carrier tax violation.
Tigers, oh my! Why these amazing creatures were stuck in Frankfort!https://t.co/nc4BO6jVtV pic.twitter.com/KV2JPWR15i
— Amber Philpott (@APhilpottWKYT) April 11, 2017
The truck driver is waiting on a mechanic to repair the tire.
UPDATE: police say tigers appear to be in good health, had food just ran out of water. Driver says they’re en route to Chicago @LEX18News pic.twitter.com/AlDNG5trGq
— Kylen Mills LEX 18 (@KylenMills) April 11, 2017