July 09, 2025
The IVC Evidensia Welfare Team has contributed to a high-profile wildlife rescue case with The Big Cat Sanctuary in Kent, helping 23 exotic cats find new, safe homes.
The operation followed a large-scale animal welfare investigation involving over 30 neglected big cats at a UK wildlife facility. A total of 28 exotic cats were removed from unsafe conditions with the coordinated support of veterinary teams, wildlife rescue organisations, and local authorities.
While facility’s founder was facing trial, The Big Cat Sanctuary took charge of the rescue project and cared for the malnourished cats. This involved specialist input from the IVC Evidensia Welfare Team, marking one of their most unusual animal welfare cases to date.
In January 2024, Group Director of Animal Welfare, Dave Martin, was called by the Crown Prosecution Service as an expert witness in the case. After collating reports from various institutions involved in the exotic cat rescue, Dave presented his veterinary insight in court.
Watch the video below to hear more from Dave Martin who talks through his involvement in the rescue project. He’s joined by Cameron Whitnall, Managing Director at The Big Cat Sanctuary in Kent, as well as Briony Smith, Curator.
Following the trial, the facility’s founder, dubbed the ‘UK Tiger King’ by media, was banned from keeping animals for at least five years. All 28 exotic cats were ordered to be rehomed and unfortunately, five were put to sleep.
“This is definitely up there with the most unusual animal welfare cases I’ve worked on. I’ve never dealt with so many exotic animals in one case. Their basic husbandry was really poor, there was inadequate nutrition, and they were lacking veterinary care which made for high mortality rates.” Dave shared.
Alongside leading the rescue mission, The Big Cat Sanctuary has also given refuge to three of the 28 animals. This includes Boson, a fishing cat, Reece, a Eurasian lynx, and Frank, an Asian golden cat, believed to be the only one of his kind in the UK.
Thanks to the collaborative effort of the Welfare Team, the 23 rescued exotic cats have now found permanent homes. Benefitting from safe, spacious and enriching environments, they are able to receive expert veterinary care from exotic animal specialists.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to now see them thriving in properly managed environments. Their health has improved significantly, and they’re finally receiving the care they deserve. We’re so proud our welfare team could play a part in helping rehome these beautiful animals.” Dave added.
At IVC Evidensia, animal welfare is at the heart of everything we do. Beyond clinical care, the Welfare Team supports vital safeguarding projects and advocacy to ensure that all species are protected while receiving the best possible veterinary care.