LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Live shows are on hold right now due to COVID-19, but that hasn't stopped a local magician from pushing forward with plans for a circus magic show... with tigers... in a tent... next to McCarran International Airport.
In a vote that defied Clark County staff and animal advocates, zoning commissioners on Wednesday morning approved the controversial new show.
Magician Jay Owenhouse says he’ll perform classic magic and illusions with the added twist of three tigers, which he calls "sanctuary" tigers, at a site on Dewey Drive near Las Vegas Boulevard.
County staff had recommended denial of the project as it requires waivers of Animal Control permit requirements and strip development standards.
Staff also warned about keeping dangerous animals in a canvas tent and the fact that the location will subject the tigers to constant aircraft noise and fly-overs.
Animal advocates who voiced concern about the tigers' welfare added that Owenhouse has obtained tigers from Bhagavan “Doc” Antle -- a breeder featured in the Netflix documentary “Tiger King.”
Several sources have told Action News they think something’s fishy with the approval process. Chief Investigator Darcy Spears is digging deeper and will have more in a 13 Investigation on Friday.
