11:14am UK, Monday June 14, 2010
Julia Reid, Sky News Online
A tiger, several turtles, a monkey and the remains of a chimpanzee have been discovered in a household freezer.
Police found the dead animals in a raid on a suburban house in Coventry and have arrested a 52-year-old man.
Alan Dudley has been charged with 10 offences relating to illegal trade in endangered animals.
West Midlands Police and Custom and Excise investigators also uncovered the skulls of a baby seal and penguin alongside lemurs, sparrowhawks, buzzards and owls during the raid.
Some of the animals had allegedly been bought on the internet auction site eBay.
Tigers are among the most endangered animals in the world and are a common target for poachers.
Their skins are used for rugs and wall hangings, while their bones, whiskers, and eyeballs are used in traditional Asian medicines.
They can grow up to 11ft long and can weigh up to 47 stone.
The loggerhead turtles found by police are also facing extinction due to loss of habitat and pollution.
Mr Dudley faces one count of purchasing specimens, two of offering a prohibited specimen for sale, two of offering to buy a prohibited specimen, one of keeping prohibited specimens for sale, and four further charges under Customs and Excise breaches.
He will appear at Coventry Crown Court in July.
http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/UK-News/Tiger-Found-In-Freezer-Police-Raid-In-Coventry-Uncovers-Dead-Animals---Alan-Dudley-Charged/Article/201006215648807
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