Ohio officials say cages not secure at site that housed tigers, may fight order to return them

TOLEDO, Ohio – Ohio officials who seized six tigers and five other exotic animals from an animal sanctuary near Toledo say they have serious concerns about returning them despite a judge's order to do so.

A spokeswoman says the Ohio Department of Agriculture is looking into its legal options after taking control of the animals Wednesday.

She says there are several security concerns with the cages and fencing at the sanctuary that could allow the animals to escape.

The state began rounding up the animals after denying the owner a permit to keep them.

But a county judge issued an order saying the animals should be returned for their safety. The animals are now being housed by the state at a holding facility near Columbus.