Seven Tigers Seized from Nevada Home of Exotic Animal Dealer

Photos shared by the sheriff’s office showed the tigers, including what appeared to be a rare white tiger, in cages. They are due to be taken to a local wildlife sanctuary

Authorities in Nye County have seized seven tigers from the Nevada home of an exotic animal dealer with known ties to Joseph Allen Maldonado, also known as "Joe Exotic." The tigers were removed from a property in Pahrump, approximately 63 miles from Las Vegas, in an operation led by Nye County officials assisting code enforcement and animal services.

Seven tigers have been seized from the home of an exotic animals dealer in Pahrump, Nevada

The operation, which took place on Wednesday, required sedating the tigers before their removal. Nye County Sheriff Joe McGill stated that the process was prolonged due to the necessary precautions involved in handling the animals. Images released by the sheriff’s office showed the tigers, including a rare white tiger, in cages. The animals are set to be relocated to a local wildlife sanctuary.

The owner of the property, Karl Mitchell, has been cited multiple times for violating basic animal care standards and once had his license for owning exotic animals revoked by the federal government

The operation began around 7 a.m. when deputies executed a search of the property owned by Karl Mitchell. Mitchell has reportedly kept the tigers on the property for the past seven years and has been embroiled in multiple legal battles related to their care. He has faced several citations for violations of basic animal welfare standards and previously had his federal license for owning exotic animals revoked.

In 2001, Mitchell’s license to possess exotic animals was revoked, and in 2004, he was sentenced to prison for stealing from Nye County while working as an animal control officer. Following his release, he acquired more big cats, some allegedly sourced from the Oklahoma-based operation run by Joe Exotic. Maldonado, who gained notoriety through the Netflix series "Tiger King," was later convicted of multiple animal abuse charges and sentenced to more than 20 years in prison.

Mitchell, who has reportedly been in possession of the tigers for the past seven years, has been involved in numerous legal battles over the animals

Concerns over Mitchell’s history with animals have been longstanding. In a 2020 statement, Linda Faso, a vocal critic of Mitchell, expressed dismay over his continued possession of animals, citing his past record of neglect and abuse. Authorities have not yet disclosed any potential charges or further legal actions related to the recent seizure of the tigers.