(KGTV) - A tiger on the loose was shot and killed near Atlanta Wednesday by Henry County, Georgia police officers.
Dispatchers received several calls from people who saw the tiger overnight on Interstate 75, said police.
Officers located the tiger and kept it in sight while contacting animal control, but it ran to the back of a home and began to attack a dog.
Just interviewed the man who spotted the Tiger. @wsbtv pic.twitter.com/aKDjPE28Om
— Audrey Washington (@AudreyWSBTV) September 6, 2017
Police said they chose to shoot and kill the tiger because it was in close proximity to a school bus route in a densely populated area. They were also concerned the occupants of the home were in danger.
An Atlanta-area animal sanctuary issued a statement about its involvement.
Noah's Ark was contacted by Henry County Police with reports of a loose tiger on I-75. We responded immediately and were on the way to the scene with hopes of chemically immobilizing the tiger and bringing it to Noah's Ark. Unfortunately, human life became at risk and the tiger was shot by the authorities. All of our tigers are accounted for. Thank you to the officers for trying their best to bring this animal to safety.
Henry County Police and Animal Control are trying to determine who owned the animal.
