Watch The Tiger Next Door

The Tiger Next Door is an intimate and fascinating documentary film that was released in the year 2009. The film is directed by Camilla Calamandrei, and it features the story of Dennis Hill, an eccentric and enigmatic man who breeds tigers and other big cats in his backyard. The movie delves into the complex world of big cat ownership in the United States and the many controversies and legal battles surrounding it.

The film begins by introducing us to the main subject of the movie, Dennis Hill, who is a man in his late 60s who lives in his isolated and rundown property in Indiana. Hill is a former carnival worker who has spent the last few decades breeding and raising tigers and other big cats. He claims to have a deep love and bond with these animals, and he believes that he is doing a public service by providing them with a home and a safe haven. However, the reality of Hill's situation is far from what he portrays.

As the movie progresses, we are introduced to the many issues and controversies surrounding Hill's backyard tiger breeding operation. We learn that he has been repeatedly cited by animal welfare agencies for keeping his animals in squalid and overcrowded conditions. The local community is also concerned about the safety risks posed by having big cats living among them.

The film also features interviews with several experts and animal welfare advocates who shed light on the broader issue of exotic animal ownership in the United States. We learn that there is a thriving underground industry of breeding and trading exotic animals, with virtually no regulation or oversight. The dangers of this industry are highlighted by several tragic incidents where people have been mauled or killed by big cats.

Despite the many warnings and citations he receives, Hill remains defiant and determined to continue his breeding operation. The movie shows him engaging in increasingly risky behaviour, such as allowing visitors to pet his tigers and walking among them without any protective gear. However, as the pressure mounts on him from law enforcement and animal welfare groups, Hill begins to realize that his days of breeding tigers may be numbered.

The Tiger Next Door is a thought-provoking and often harrowing documentary film that shines a light on the dangers and ethical issues surrounding the exotic animal trade. The film is expertly crafted, with beautiful cinematography and a compelling narrative that keeps the viewer engaged throughout. The movie also raises important questions about the role of the government and society in regulating and preventing the exploitation of animals for profit.

Overall, The Tiger Next Door is a must-watch for anyone interested in animal welfare and the ethics of exotic animal ownership. The film offers a sobering and eye-opening look into a world that is far more complex and dangerous than most people realize.