Las Vegas (KSNV) — The Nye County Sheriff's Office seized seven tigers from a private property in Pahrump on Wednesday, arresting Karl Mitchell, a well-known big cat enthusiast, for resisting arrest during the operation.

Mitchell, during an exclusive jailhouse interview, said, "The city can not make rules... emotional support animals."

Nevada is one of three states without an outright ban on the private ownership of exotic animals, though it does have regulations in place.

Counties may impose stricter rules, and state law limits contact with privately owned wildlife, including exotic animals.

The Nye County Sheriff noted that they have received reports over the years of tigers roaming the property, with social media posts showing people interacting with the animals.

Regarding service animals, Nevada state law adheres to the Americans with Disabilities Act, which defines service animals as dogs or miniature horses.

In Las Vegas, a permit is required to keep a wild animal.

In 2012, an incident involving chimpanzees in the northwest part of town resulted in one being shot and killed and another tranquilized after escaping.

In November 2016, Nye County Sheriff's deputies and animal control seized 15 exotic animals from a Pahrump home, citing unsanitary conditions.

The animals included lions, tigers, lynx, a panther, and a fox.

Karl Mitchell had previously expressed concerns about the care of those animals.