NY Man Fights Town Over Big Cats, Neighbors Say They Fear For Their Safety

A New York man is being told, get rid of your animals or potentially go jail.

Steve Salton of Mayfield, NY has been raising three tigers and two leopards in his backyard for nearly a decade is being told to get rid of them or potentially go to jail. CBS 6 Albany says that Salton has permits to have the animals from both the USDA and the NYS DEC, and he has the proper enclosures that are inspected for safety three times a year.

Mr. Salton has been locked in a years long legal battle with the Town of Mayfield.  His neighbors have filed complaints alleging the animals can be loud at night. His neighbors also say they fear for their safety.The exotic animals are not visible from the street and Salton's property is less than a mile away from Animal Land on Highway 30 in Mayfield. The DEC permit does require Salton to exhibit the cats which he does but he says he doesn't charge visitors or make money.  He considers his cats, three of which are rescues, part of a preserve. Salton says...

The cats have never gotten out, never, you're escorted around here if you want to visit.  I'm not a zoo, I'm not a business, you have to make an appointment to see these animals when it's right for all of us.

Salton has reportedly been ignoring the cease and desist order and is due in the Town of Mayfield court Wednesday.