The seizure of a baby tiger from an Albert Lea residency due to a city ordinance violation has provoked an argument as to the future ownership of the wild animal. While the owner is asking for an immediate return, animal right advocates are asking for permanent custody.

City Attorney Steve Schwab sent the tiger to a veterinarian to examine whether a state law violation, which would authorize the seizure to be permanent, is applicable.

The female tiger was seized by the city animal control and police officers Tuesday night from a house at 425 W. College St. Owner William Diaz, 37, did not have a permit from the city to have a wild animal.

Diaz has contacted Schwab several times after the seizure to demand the return of tiger, indicating that he would either move out the city or take it back to the place where it was purchased.

The city ordinance is set for the public safety and animal welfare, and allows the city to impound an animal from a violator.

It also states that an owner can retain possession if the animal is removed from the city. The county does not have regulations on animals belonging to an individual as a pet, according to Environmental Services Director Randy Tuchtenhagen.

The Virginia-based animal rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animal (PETA) sent a letter to Schwab, asserting Diaz’s treatment of the tiger was cruel and constitutes a violation of state law.

“It is likely that, if he is allowed to move to a neighboring city with the tiger, Diaz’s neglectful care of this dangerous animal will be a threat to the safety of Albert Lea residents and those in surrounding areas,” said Amy Rhodes of PETA’s Research & Investigations Department.

Rhodes said that the organization received complaints that the tiger was neglected and being kept in substandard conditions, where raw chicken, feces and urine covered most of the floors.

PETA is also concerned with Diaz’s past violations. According to a court document, he was charged with a mistreatment of his dog and ordered to pay a $245 fine. He was not to have an animal for one year beginning in October, 2001.

Diaz could not be reached Friday.

Schwab will likely charge Diaz with a city ordinance violation Tuesday. He has sent the tiger to a veterinarian in the Twin Cities area. Schwab said he would decide if he would bring another charge for the state law violation after reading the report from the vet.

According to PETA, experts estimate there are 15,000 pet tigers in the U.S. Since 1990, there have been eight people, including two children, killed and more than 60 people injured by pet tigers.