Animal Rights Coalition call for permanent closure of animal park

A group of animal welfare NGOs have called for the permanent closure of the Montekristo animal park, as well as a boycott of all local animal parks, in the wake of an incident that left a young boy injured after being attacked by a tiger. 

The Animal Rights Coalition said in a press statement that the blame for the incident lay with many - the animal handlers for exposing the public to risk, the establishment's owners for housing animals - including some endangered species - in inadequate conditions, and the authorities for failing to close down the contentious establishment.

"We now hope that the zoo is permanently closed and urge that these animals are relocated to a safe environment for their protection from human abuse and exploitation. There are genuine conservation parks and wildlife sanctuaries that can accept these animals and give them a better life," the coalition said. 

While wishing the boy involved in this incident a full recovery, the Coalition appealed to parents and the general public not to support with their presence in any establishments, making the case that those operating outside the law and not likely to take stringent health and safety precautions.