Wild Crime: NY Man Arrested for Attempting to Sell a Leopard!
In New York State, finding a wild leopard is practically impossible. You won’t spot one in Buffalo, Ballston Spa, Beacon, or any other part of the state. The only places where leopards are found in New York are zoos like the Bronx Zoo, Seneca Zoo, or Staten Island Zoo. So, how did one end up in Delaware County?
Recently, a Delaware County resident was caught trying to sell a full-body leopard mount, which is illegal in New York without the right permits. In May 2024, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) teamed up with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service to investigate the illegal sale of endangered species.
According to a DEC press release, their investigation focused on this illegal activity involving a protected species. The investigation revealed that the seller had listed the full-bodied leopard mount on a social media account with an asking price of $2,500.
DEC officers quickly traced the seller and found that he did not have the required permits to sell the mount. This was a clear violation of state laws protecting endangered species.
When the officers arrived at the seller’s location, they caught him in the act during the transaction. It was at this moment that they seized the leopard mount and charged the individual with the commercialization of endangered wildlife. Because of the mount’s high value, this charge is considered a felony.
The case concluded on Monday, July 29th, when the Delaware County resident settled the charges related to the illegal sale of endangered species. As part of the settlement, the seller agreed to pay a $2,500 fine and forfeited the leopard mount.
Illegal wildlife trade is a serious crime, especially when it involves endangered species. To discourage this kind of activity, the laws are strict, and the penalties are severe.
It’s important to understand that even possessing or attempting to sell parts of endangered animals without the proper permits can result in serious legal consequences, including felony charges.
Wildlife officers work hard to protect endangered species from illegal commercialization. The actions of the Delaware County residents not only violate the law but also threaten the conservation efforts made to protect these magnificent creatures.
Endangered species laws are designed to safeguard animals at risk of extinction, and the sale of such animals or their parts undermines these efforts.
The fine and forfeiture, in this case, remind authorities that they are vigilant in their mission to protect endangered wildlife. They also underscore the importance of having the right permits when dealing with protected species, whether for trade, display, or any other purpose.
The DEC and other agencies remain committed to cracking down on illegal wildlife trade and holding those who violate these laws accountable.
Anyone considering buying, selling, or trading wildlife should check state and federal regulations. The consequences of ignoring these rules can be costly, as seen in this case.
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The illegal sale of endangered species is damaging to wildlife and carries heavy legal risks. The public is encouraged to report any suspicious activities related to wildlife trade to help protect these vulnerable species for future generations.