NAKHON RATCHASIMA: More than 200 tiger skins seized close to Khao Yai National Park lately weren’t fairly what they first appeared: examination revealed that the majority truly came from canine and cows and had been painted with stripes.
The 204 animal pelts were seized from a temple in Pak Chong District by officers from the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) on February 12.
The officers have been appearing on a tip-off from locals who saw a suspicious variety of animal pelts being dried in Wat Simalai Songdhamma.
Initially the skins appeared to have come from tigers and other massive cat species. There was additionally one crocodile skin. After being examined by specialists, nevertheless, it was discovered that solely the crocodile skin, one leopard skin and 5 skins from different cat species have been real.
The nearly 200 remaining skins were made by painting dog and cattle skins with stripes.
The monks at the temple claimed all of the skins belonged to the temple abbot. Top secret was planning to tattoo the skins with non secular writing and sell them as holy charms, his disloyal monks advised the authorities.
DNP Director Jatuphon Burusaphat said it was unlikely that the abbot was working alone. His accomplices are actually sought by local authorities.
“I need to warn individuals who like to buy non secular objects created from animal stays that this isn’t simply illegal; they can be conned. For instance in this case they weren’t tiger skins, however dog and cow skins – when you worship them they will not convey success. They are a explanation for animal cruelty as properly,” Mr Jatuphon mentioned..