Fred the Tiger Is Finally Out of Witness Protection, and We Can Share His Story
Fred the tiger’s life started in misery. Two men in Arkansas kept him illegally, fed him only rats, and forced him to wear a painfully tight dog harness. The straps dug into his skin so severely that rescuers had to cut it off.
Thanks to the Big Cat Public Safety Act—a groundbreaking law backed by PETA that bans private ownership of big cats—officials freed Fred from his captors and gave him a second chance at life. Today, he roams Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, whose staff cares for him and keeps him safe.
Watch Fred’s journey:
We Had to Keep Fred’s Story Secret—Until Now
Fred’s rescue had to remain confidential for nearly a year because his owner was arrested during the Operation Early Harvest investigation—a multi-agency law enforcement operation in Faulkner County, Arkansas. Officials placed Fred in the Witness Protection Program, which limited what could be shared about his rescue until the case’s conclusion.
Operation Early Harvest resulted in the arrest of 56 individuals for violent crimes. Among those convicted were Keidrick Damond Usifo and Deon Johnson, who were both found guilty of violating the Big Cat Public Safety Act.
Fred the Tiger Is Learning How to Love Life
Now, over a year since his rescue, Fred is a strong, playful young tiger who loves to splash in his pool and toss around toys.
Our friends at Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge carefully introduced Fred to the sights and sounds of other tigers. By watching them, he’s learned natural tiger behaviors that help him thrive.
The Big Cat Public Safety Act Saved Fred—But Other Animals Still Need Your Help
Without the enforcement of the Big Cat Public Safety Act, Fred might have faced a lifetime of neglect and abuse. While the Big Cat Public Safety Act will protect big-cat cubs, other animals—such as bear cubs, lemurs, sloths, and otters—are still exploited in dangerous hands-on encounters. These activities are just as cruel as big-cat cub-petting encounters, and you should never support any business offering them.
Many shoddy facilities use buzzwords like “sanctuary” or “rescue” in their names to mislead consumers about the quality of care that animals receive. No reputable exotic-animal sanctuary allows any “hands-on” photo op or encourages any other direct contact between animals and guests. The fundamental purpose of any legitimate animal sanctuary is to provide animals with safe, comfortable living conditions that give them as natural an existence as captivity allows.
You can help end this cruelty. Refuse to visit any place that offers animal encounters, and urge lawmakers to expand protections to all of our fellow animals.
