Tigers that Once Belonged to Joe Exotic Are Seized from Man’s Home — But He Claims They’re Emotional Support Animals

Seven Tigers, Including 4 Joe Exotic Rescues, Taken From Nevada Home

Authorities in Nevada have removed seven tigers from a residence in Parumph, sparking mixed emotions and concerns from the community. The Nye County Sheriff’s Office, in collaboration with county officials and animal services, carried out the removal operation, which spanned the entire day. The property owner, Karl Mitchell, was arrested on charges of resisting a deputy and illegal ownership. Mitchell, who suffers from PTSD due to his service in the Vietnam War, has been greatly impacted by the removal of the tigers, which he claims are his emotional support animals prescribed by his psychiatrist at Veterans Affairs.

In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Mitchell expressed his shock and distress over the sudden disappearance of the tigers that have been his companions for nearly a decade. He described creating videos with the tigers and the calming effect they had on him. Mitchell and his girlfriend, Catherine Griffiths, contest the charges against him, asserting that he did not resist arrest and that the tigers were well cared for under his supervision. They were particularly concerned about the potential mistreatment of the animals during their removal from the property and relocation to an unknown sanctuary.

The case took a surprising turn when Mitchell revealed that four of the tigers had once been owned by Joseph “Joe Exotic” Maldonado-Passage, a central figure in the infamous Tiger King reality series. This revelation added a new layer of complexity to the situation and raised questions about the history and provenance of the seized tigers. Meanwhile, animal welfare activists, including Big Cat Rescue founded by Carole Baskin, celebrated the rescue of the tigers, highlighting the physical and emotional trauma suffered by the animals in captivity.

Despite Mitchell’s claims that the tigers served as crucial emotional support for his PTSD, local authorities are continuing their investigation into the matter. They are moving the tigers to a sanctuary outside the state to ensure their well-being and prevent any potential legal violations. The conflicting perspectives and legal implications surrounding the tiger seizure underscore the complex relationship between animal ownership, emotional support, and wildlife conservation.

The incident has reignited discussions about exotic animal ownership regulations and the ethical considerations of keeping large predators as pets. The intersection of personal mental health needs and animal welfare raises broader questions about the balance between individual rights and societal responsibilities. As the story unfolds, the fate of the seven tigers and the legal implications for Karl Mitchell remain unresolved, leaving many to ponder the intricate web of human-animal interactions and their implications for both parties involved.