Nevada Man Arrested for Keeping Tigers as Emotional Support Animals
Incident Overview
A 71-year-old resident of Pahrump, Nevada, named Karl Mitchell, was arrested last week following a raid by authorities who discovered seven tigers in his home. These wild animals were claimed by Mitchell to be his “emotional support animals,” according to reports from various media outlets.
Authorities’ Findings
The Nye County authorities conducted the raid on March 2, citing Mitchell for lacking the proper permits required to keep the tigers. Sheriff Joe McGill noted that Mitchell had been observed walking the animals on his desert property and had shared images on social media that showed other individuals interacting with the tigers, both of which constituted legal violations.
Mitchell’s Claims
Despite the legal repercussions, Mitchell contended that he did not need special permits, as he had previously asserted in a lawsuit against Nye County in 2020 that local officials recognized the tigers as emotional support animals. He further claimed that the tigers presented no danger to the public.
Background on the Tigers
In a complex twist, Mitchell stated that he rescued these animals from the infamous Joe Exotic, also known as Joseph Maldonado, who gained notoriety through the Netflix series “Tiger King.” Maldonado is currently serving a 21-year prison sentence for multiple crimes, including conspiracy to commit murder and animal abuse.
Legal Consequences for Mitchell
During the raid, Mitchell faced additional charges for resisting an officer and for possessing a firearm as a felon. He was quickly released on bail set at $6,000 the same day.
State of the Animals
After their removal, it was reported by Sheriff McGill that some of the tigers appeared to be malnourished and that algae was found in their water containers. A veterinarian was present during the seizure to assess the health of the tigers, who have since been relocated to an undisclosed sanctuary for care and monitoring.
Upcoming Court Date
Karl Mitchell is scheduled to appear in court on May 15, where he will face the legal consequences of his actions regarding the care of the tigers and the associated legal infractions.
