A man who was driving a car-share vehicle in Moscow has been accused of cruelty to animals after a baby lion was found in the cabin. The accusation comes from the Metropolitan Main Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
Traffic police stopped the vehicle on Gerasim Kurin Street on March 9 after noting a wild animal inside the car. The 35-year-old driver had transported a lion cub without the proper documentation, and the animal was subsequently taken to the Moscow Department of Nature Management and Environmental Protection for evaluation and care.
Investigators later determined that the man had bought the lion cub, approximately four months old, from an unidentified individual somewhere else in the Russian Federation. The buyer had not provided appropriate care for the animal, and questions were raised about the conditions in which the cub had been kept.
According to the authorities, the lion cub suffered from a lack of balanced and appropriate nutrition, and the diet provided did not meet the needs of a developing big cat. This neglect contributed to the onset of rickets, a condition that can weaken bones and potentially threaten the animal’s life if not treated promptly.
Presently, the lion cub is receiving care at a rehabilitation center for wild animals. A criminal case has been opened under part one of Article 245 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, which covers cruelty to animals. The suspect has been released on bail as the investigation continues. This case highlights concerns about the illegal trade and improper handling of exotic animals, raising questions about regulation, enforcement, and animal welfare across the region.
Earlier reports noted that six teenagers were involved in a fatal traffic incident in Bashkiria, underscoring broader safety and accountability issues that accompany incidents involving young people and potentially dangerous situations.