Gone with the wind, missing in the monsoon

FERGUS FALLS, Minn. – A Fargo doctor who pleaded guilty last year to a charge of depriving a rabbit of necessary care has moved a tiger from property he owns near Pelican Rapids, an Otter Tail County official said Friday.
Diane Thorson, Otter Tail County’s public health director, said officials aren’t sure where Dr. Roy Alexander Cordy moved the tiger. She said deputies who were checking on the status of the animal told her Friday it was no longer on Cordy’s property.
Thorson said she had been prepared to file a nuisance abatement order if the cat wasn’t removed, but that action will no longer be necessary.
Cordy pleaded guilty in Otter Tail County District Court in November to a misdemeanor charge of depriving a rabbit of necessary food, water and shelter.
A number of other counts, including one count each of cruelty to animals and mistreating animals, were dismissed.
As part of a deal with prosecutors, Cordy agreed he would not possess exotic animals.
Earlier this year, prosecutors claimed Cordy violated terms of his probation because he had not found a new home for an adult female Bengal tiger named Lilly.
A judge dismissed the claim in July and Cordy promised to move the cat within 30 to 60 days.
Cordy did not return a phone message left for him Friday.

Fargo Forum, August 20, 2005