Unlike Joe Exotic, I have only got one husband and I'm probably more normal but we've the same kind of passion for cats

Wild animal breeder in Scotland reveals she supported star in feud with tiger rescuer

- MARK McGIVERN

A PAL of Joe Exotic breeding pumas at a secret Scottish location says the Netflix star should be released from prison.

Big cat breeder Kayleigh McIntosh-Lowrie is a long-time friend of the global superstar and the pair have communicated extensively about the breeding and keeping of big cats.

She believes Joe’s arch-rival, Big Cat Rescue CEO Carole Baskin, was the real villain in the saga which emerged after Tiger King became a global TV sensation, attracting 65million viewers.

Joe, 57, is currently serving a 22-year prison sentence over a plot to kill Carole.

In an exclusive interview with the Daily Record, Kayleigh revealed she is trying to breed her own litter of mountain lions – and gave her views on the Joe v Carole feud.

Kayleigh, 32, watched them clash on Facebook and believes he was framed for attempting to have her killed.

She said: “I honestly think he got set up. I don’t think he was plotting to kill Carole at all. Not many cat owners would believe he really wanted to kill her.

“Joe was all talk and that’s quite different to actually killing someone.”

Kayleigh said online chat groups such as Exotic Animal Owners and Friends, and Big Cats turned into a “war zone” after Joe and Carole clashed.

She added: “It all got really personal and nasty but I’d have to say just about everyone I know supported Joe and pretty much couldn’t stand Carole. But Joe did get a bit obsessed with her, which caused a lot of problems.