Nevada Man Claims Seven Tigers Are His Emotional Support Animals After Arrest

A Nevada man is facing charges after officials seized seven tigers from his home. He claimed the animals were emotional support pets.

Karl Mitchell, 71, was arrested Wednesday at his Pahrump property during a raid by Nye County deputies. Authorities say he failed to obtain the proper Special Conditions Animal Permit required to house exotic animals and had violated county rules for years. Mitchell was charged with resisting a peace officer and illegal firearm possession, as deputies also found a handgun. As a convicted felon, he’s prohibited from owning weapons.

Despite his arrest, Mitchell claimed the tigers posed no danger and said he “rescued” them from Joe Exotic, the former zookeeper featured in Netflix’s Tiger King. He told NBC affiliate KSNV the cats were his emotional support animals, and that he didn’t believe a permit was necessary.

Sheriff Joe McGill said the county had long received complaints, including reports of Mitchell walking tigers off-property and allowing public interactions, both violations under local law. During the raid, Mitchell initially cooperated but later refused to hand over keys to the cages.

The tigers were removed and sent to a sanctuary at an undisclosed location. Some animals appeared underweight, and water dishes contained algae, officials said.

Mitchell, who has a history of legal battles with Nye County, previously sued for over $1 million in damages, alleging harassment and interference with his animals. He was released the same day on $6,000 bail and is scheduled to appear in court on May 15. Additional charges may follow pending the investigation.