{"id":48277,"date":"2021-10-18T16:28:49","date_gmt":"2021-10-18T23:28:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cjnotebook.com\/?p=48277"},"modified":"2021-10-18T16:28:49","modified_gmt":"2021-10-18T23:28:49","slug":"new-york-man-sentenced-to-18-months-for-trafficking-in-exotic-african-cats","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cjnotebook.com\/?p=48277","title":{"rendered":"New York Man Sentenced to 18 Months for Trafficking in Exotic African Cats"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\u00a0A New York man was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison for violating the Lacey Act and the Animal Welfare Act by trafficking African wild cats, according to authorities.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"brown<\/a>
Caracal<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Christopher Casacci, 39, of Amherst, was doing business as \u201cExoticCubs.com,\u201d through which he advertised, imported, and sold exotic African cats. <\/span><\/p>\n

Between February and June of 2018, Casacci imported and sold dozens of caracals (Caracal caracal<\/em>) and servals (Leptailurus serval<\/em>), for $7,500 to $10,000 each. <\/span><\/p>\n

Casacci claimed that he was operating as a big cat rescue organization in an attempt to avoid New York prohibitions against possessing and selling wild animals.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"Casacci also falsified transport documents to hide the true species of the cats, instead calling the animals domestic crossbreeds, such as Bengal cats or Savannah cats. Further, Casacci was not permitted to sell the cats because he was not approved to do so under the Animal Welfare Act.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSelling wild animals as pets not only breaks the law, but also endangers local communities and environments,\u201d said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department\u2019s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD). \u201cThe Department of Justice is dedicated to protecting the public and our native wildlife from the irresponsible actions of wildlife traffickers.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe purpose of the Lacey Act and the Animal Welfare Act is to protect fish, wildlife and other animals, especially those that may be endangered, from individuals who seek to profit from trafficking,\u201d said U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross for the Western District of New York. \u201cEnforcing these measures is important to ensure that animals, such as the exotic African cats in this case, are safeguarded.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCriminals who flout wildlife laws such as the Lacey Act put humans and animals at great risk,\u201d said Assistant Director Edward Grace of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service\u2019s (USFWS) Office of Law Enforcement. \u201cWildlife trafficking is decimating the world\u2019s natural resources, so it is essential we work with our partners to put a stop to these types of illegal activities. This will help protect against risks to human health and safety and to native wildlife and their habitats and ensure future generations can enjoy and benefit from our cherished wild heritage.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Caracals, also known as the \u201cdesert lynx,\u201d are wild cats native to Africa that grow to approximately 45 pounds. <\/span><\/p>\n

Servals, also wild cats native to Africa, grow to approximately 40 pounds. <\/span><\/p>\n

\"beige<\/a>
Serval<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

All of the animals were sold while still kittens and despite their size and wild nature, Casacci marketed them as \u201chouse pets.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

Both species are protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), and their commercial possession and sale is restricted under New York state law. <\/span><\/p>\n

Multiple kittens imported by Casacci died while in his care or days after he sold them, and many live kittens were seized from Casacci during the investigation. <\/span><\/p>\n

The seized animals are now permanently residing within accredited animal sanctuaries.<\/span><\/p>\n

Casacci was previously\u00a0indicted for his actions in January of 2020<\/a>. <\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

\u00a0A New York man was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison for violating the Lacey Act and the Animal Welfare Act by trafficking African wild cats, according to authorities. 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