Pahrump, Nevada — In a remarkable action that underscores ongoing concerns about exotic animal ownership in Nevada, the Nye County Sheriff’s Office conducted a raid on a private residence in Pahrump, where they seized seven tigers. The operation, which took place on Wednesday, also resulted in the arrest of Karl Mitchell, a noted big cat enthusiast, who resisted arrest during the seizure.
Mitchell, speaking from jail, defended his possession of the tigers, claiming they served as emotional support animals, a stance that is at odds with Nevada’s legal framework. Unlike many states, Nevada does not completely ban private ownership of exotic animals but imposes several regulations through state and county laws. Local jurisdictions can enforce stricter rules, while the state law limits human contact with privately-owned wildlife.
The sheriff’s department has been monitoring Mitchell’s property after numerous reports and social media sightings of tigers roaming freely and interacting with people circulated, raising safety concerns. Nevada adheres to the Americans with Disabilities Act definitions, which recognize only dogs and miniature horses as service animals, excluding any provisions for big cats or other exotic animals.
A 2012 incident in Las Vegas, where a chimpanzee was shot and killed following an escape, highlights the potential dangers associated with private exotic animal ownership in residential areas. Las Vegas mandates a special permit for keeping wild animals to mitigate such risks.
In a similar vein, back in November 2016, Nye County authorities confiscated 15 exotic animals from another Pahrump residence citing unsanitary conditions. The seized animals included lions, tigers, lynxes, a panther, and a fox. Notably, Mitchell had expressed concerns about how these animals were managed after their seizure.
As deputies continue to sort through the aftermath of Wednesday’s operation, the incident has stirred debate among residents and officials regarding the adequacy of current laws governing exotic animal ownership and the balance between individual rights and community safety.
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