Send this page to someone via email

Houston police say some people who went into an abandoned home to smoke marijuana found a caged tiger.

They called police on Monday and the major offender animal cruelty unit and animal shelter volunteers arrived on the scene. Authorities nicknamed the tiger “Tyson” after the movie “The Hangover.”

WATCH BELOW: Tiger discovered in vacant house in Texas being transported to animal shelter

0:52 Tiger discovered in vacant house in Texas being transported to animal shelter Tiger discovered in vacant house in Texas being transported to animal shelter

Officials tell KHOU-TV the tiger was well fed, but the cage was secured by a nylon strap and screwdriver. Officials say it could easily open and the tiger could have gone on a “rampage.”

Story continues below advertisement

The tiger was taken to an animal shelter and will be transferred to an undisclosed animal sanctuary in Texas.

READ MORE: Female Sumatran tiger killed by prospective mate at London Zoo

It’s legal to own a tiger in Texas if the owner has a wild game permit. But it is illegal to have a tiger in Houston.