“It’s animal abuse! Chelsea player blasted for fighting with a tiger
According to latest reports, Chelsea defender Ben Chilwell has been slammed by animal right group RSPCA, for playing tug of war with a tiger in a zoo in Florida.
However, According to a footage posted by The Sun, Chilwell was seen at the front of a four-person team which is pulling on a rope, while a caged tiger is tugging in the opposite direction.
Chilwell who has been ruled out until the end of the season, has been heavily criticised by the RSPCA.
A statement from the RSPCA read: “We don’t feel this activity promotes respect for these wild animals and should not be marketed for public entertainment,”
“Zoos often state that their aim is to educate the public and have a positive influence on visitor behaviour in ways that will directly benefit conservation.
“While we understand zoos which do this may feel that a ‘tug-of-war’ provides physical enrichment for big cats, there are many alternative ways of doing this.”
A source, who shared the video with The Sun, said: “It’s animal abuse.
“They’re not treating the tiger with respect. It’s just fun to them.”