Mike Tyson, a former boxer known for his ferocity in the ring and eccentric lifestyle, has been known to keep Bengal tigers as pets. Tyson's story with these big cats dates back to his time in prison when he acquired three tigers through a peculiar trade with a car dealer, paying $71,000 for them.
Despite Tyson's fascination with tigers, keeping them at home has brought both iconic moments and legal troubles. One of the most notable incidents occurred when one of his tigers attacked a neighbor's dog while being walked, which led to him losing custody of one of the animals.
Despite the risks involved in having tigers as pets, Tyson experienced only one bite while vaccinating one of his cats, which required seven stitches. Despite this incident, his love for tigers persists, and he currently breeds different species in an aviary at his home, considering this activity therapeutic.
In addition to tigers, Tyson has also had a passion for pigeons since he was young. Although the incident with his tiger was reported to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) for lacking the legal permits to keep the animal, Tyson managed to regain the tiger before the situation escalated.
