The attorney general's office for environmental protection said yesterday the 4-month-old tiger had been living in a private home with children.
The man had papers showing he recently bought the tiger, which was found to be in good health but lacking its claws.
But officials say the animal was seized and placed temporarily at a local zoo because the owner did not take appropriate security and animal-welfare measures.
A resident called police to complain there was a man walking a tiger on a dog leash.