The hopes of Torrik the tiger are still burning bright despite being refused permission to live in an enclosure near Crymych.

Following the decision by Carmarthenshire County Council, Torriks keeper, Liz Hamer, is determined to save the Siberian tiger from what she called a death sentence.

The county council refused Lizs application for a dangerous animal licence due to fears about the safety of residents. Dyfed-Powys Police opposed the application because the response time in the event of an escape was seen as unacceptable.

Liz will focus her appeal on the issue of security. She says the tiger enclosure, with its electrified six millimetre weld mesh enclosure, is more than enough to keep the 11-foot-long cat from escaping. This enclosure would be within another, complete with security lights, cameras and a guard dog (more to keep people out than Torrik in).

As a last resort, Liz and her partner, Chris, will both be on the scene with licensed shotguns.

Between them, they have ten years experience in dealing with unusual animals, Liz having been the head cat-keeper at Torriks old home in Dartmoor Wildlife Park.

She and Chris made the decision to keep Torrik at their six acre farm after he had to leave Dartmoor due to lack of space.

During the application process, he has been kept at Longleat Wildlife Park where he can stay until the end of April.

At only 15 months old, Torrik may have another 19 years of life ahead of him.

If the couples appeal goes against them, Liz hopes a private collector or another wildlife park will come to the rescue.

She said: Dartmoor would take him but they dont have the money to build another enclosure. Were hoping that by getting the word out we can get something arranged. I wonder if Victoria Beckham has always fancied a tiger in her back garden?

CAPTION

Liz Hamer and Chris Porter with a picture of Torrik the tiger, who they still hope can join them at their home near Crymych. PICTURE: Martin Cavaney Photography.