Man's backyard tigers and leopards upset neighbours

Steve Salton, 61, of Mayfield, New York, currently keeps several fully-grown tigers, leopards and jaguars in his back garden.

Salton is inspected regularly by state and federal authorities and issued licences to have the animals. He's obliged to exhibit them, which he does, by appointment.



That hardly satisfies his neighbour Rich Travis, who has no affection for the wild animals caged next door and wants them gone. "I don't think anyone in their right mind would want to live next to something like this," said Travis.

Town Supervisor Richard Argotsinger says the big cat exhibit may qualify as a home occupation or hobby, which is an allowed use. "I'm all legal and everything," Salton says.