The Virginia Attorney General’s Office announced Bhagavan “Doc” Antle’s sentence in connection with his four felony convictions related to the illegal purchase of lion cubs for exhibition at his South Carolina roadside zoo. The judge imposed a $10,000 fine, a suspended prison sentence, and a five-year prohibition on working with, owning, possessing, brokering, buying, selling, trading, bartering, donating, or transferring any exotic animals in Virginia. Antle is still awaiting trial in federal court on separate indictments relating to wildlife trafficking and money laundering. Antle is known for his appearance in the Netflix series “Tiger King.”
Issue 210
This Week's Spotlights
Case Law Spotlights
Tiger King Personality Sentenced in Connection with Wildlife Trafficking Convictions
Agency Spotlights
FWS Proposes Threatened Status for Short-Tailed Snakes
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) proposed listing the short-tailed snake, found in parts of Florida, as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. The listing decision also constitutes FWS’s 12-month finding following a 2012 petition submitted by the Center for Biological Diversity and six individuals. FWS will accept public comments on the proposed listing through December 4, 2023.
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) proposed listing the short-tailed snake, found in parts of Florida, as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. The listing decision also constitutes FWS’s 12-month finding following a 2012 petition submitted by the Center for Biological Diversity and six individuals. FWS will accept public comments on the proposed listing through December 4, 2023.
FWS Proposes Threatened Status for Two Turtle Species
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) proposed listing the northwestern pond turtle and the southwestern pond turtle as threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. The listing determination follows a 2012 listing petition and 2020 lawsuit by the Center for Biological Diversity and constitutes FWS’s 12-month finding. FWS will accept public comments on the proposed listing through December 4, 2023.
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) proposed listing the northwestern pond turtle and the southwestern pond turtle as threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. The listing determination follows a 2012 listing petition and 2020 lawsuit by the Center for Biological Diversity and constitutes FWS’s 12-month finding. FWS will accept public comments on the proposed listing through December 4, 2023.
FWS Opens Public Comment Period on Multiple ESA Permit Applications
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) announced its receipt of multiple Endangered Species Act (ESA) permit applications for the import or export of live animals and for the import of trophy hunted animals taken from a captive bontebok population in South Africa. FWS is accepting public comments through February 17, 2023.
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) announced its receipt of multiple Endangered Species Act (ESA) permit applications for the import or export of live animals and for the import of trophy hunted animals taken from a captive bontebok population in South Africa. FWS is accepting public comments through February 17, 2023.
International Spotlights
Spain’s New Animal Welfare Law Takes Effect
A new animal welfare law governing the recreational use of animals has taken effect in Spain. The law prohibits the use of wild animals in circuses, bans the sale of dogs, cats, and ferrets in stores and online, and allows pets in establishments like restaurants and bars. It also imposes fines of up to 200,000 euros (approximately $212,000) for the mistreatment of domestic animals. Certain aspects of the law, including its insurance, registration, and owner training requirements, have not yet taken effect. The law exempts bullfighting and hunting with dogs.
A new animal welfare law governing the recreational use of animals has taken effect in Spain. The law prohibits the use of wild animals in circuses, bans the sale of dogs, cats, and ferrets in stores and online, and allows pets in establishments like restaurants and bars. It also imposes fines of up to 200,000 euros (approximately $212,000) for the mistreatment of domestic animals. Certain aspects of the law, including its insurance, registration, and owner training requirements, have not yet taken effect. The law exempts bullfighting and hunting with dogs.
South Africa Kills 20–30% of the Country’s Chickens in Response to Avian Influenza Outbreaks
South Africa has killed approximately 7.5 million chickens (2.5 broiler chickens and 5 million egg-laying hens), a total that represents 20–30% of the country’s chicken population, in an attempt to contain the spread of avian influenza. To date, more than 200,000 chickens have died across at least 60 avian influenza outbreaks in South Africa.
South Africa has killed approximately 7.5 million chickens (2.5 broiler chickens and 5 million egg-laying hens), a total that represents 20–30% of the country’s chicken population, in an attempt to contain the spread of avian influenza. To date, more than 200,000 chickens have died across at least 60 avian influenza outbreaks in South Africa.
Legislative Updates
Pending Federal Actions
Bill Would Establish Loan Program for Small Meat Processors and Renderers
S. 2951 would require the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a program to provide loans and loan guarantees to certain eligible meat processors and renderers. The program would exclude entities that are “partly or wholly owned by a foreign entity” or that have processed “an average of not less than 5 percent of the beef, pork, chicken, or turkey processed nationally during the immediately preceding 5 calendar years.” The bill was introduced by Senators Jerry Moran and Michael Bennet and has been referred to the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
S. 2951 would require the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a program to provide loans and loan guarantees to certain eligible meat processors and renderers. The program would exclude entities that are “partly or wholly owned by a foreign entity” or that have processed “an average of not less than 5 percent of the beef, pork, chicken, or turkey processed nationally during the immediately preceding 5 calendar years.” The bill was introduced by Senators Jerry Moran and Michael Bennet and has been referred to the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
Resolution Would Designate Week of October 8 as “National Wildlife Refuge Week”
S.Res. 396 would designate the week beginning on October 8, 2023, as “National Wildlife Refuge Week.” The resolution was introduced by Senator Christopher Coons along with nine original cosponsors and has been referred to the Senate Committee on the Judiciary.
S.Res. 396 would designate the week beginning on October 8, 2023, as “National Wildlife Refuge Week.” The resolution was introduced by Senator Christopher Coons along with nine original cosponsors and has been referred to the Senate Committee on the Judiciary.
Bill Would Exempt Fish Processors from Certain Nonimmigrant Visa Limitations
S. 3013 would permanently authorize the exemption of fish processors from numerical limitations on H-2B nonimmigrant visas. The bill was introduced by Senator Lisa Murkowski along with seven original cosponsors and has been referred to the Senate Committee on the Judiciary. Bill text is not yet publicly available.
S. 3013 would permanently authorize the exemption of fish processors from numerical limitations on H-2B nonimmigrant visas. The bill was introduced by Senator Lisa Murkowski along with seven original cosponsors and has been referred to the Senate Committee on the Judiciary. Bill text is not yet publicly available.
Case Law Updates
Federal Court Updates
Center for Biological Diversity Plans to Sue NMFS for Failing to Fulfill ESA Obligations for Ringed Seals and Bearded Seals
The Center for Biological Diversity sent a 60-day notice of intent to sue the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) for failing to develop and implement recovery plans for ringed seals and bearded seals and to perform five-year reviews of the status of each species as required under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).
The Center for Biological Diversity sent a 60-day notice of intent to sue the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) for failing to develop and implement recovery plans for ringed seals and bearded seals and to perform five-year reviews of the status of each species as required under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).
Advocacy Group Sues FWS to Protect Last Wild Population of Red Wolves
The Center for Biological Diversity (CBD) filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina challenging the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service’s denial of CBD’s petition to reclassify the world’s last wild population of red wolves as “essential.” CBD challenges the petition denial as arbitrary and capricious under the Administrative Procedure Act. CBD contends that the existence of “only 13 known and collared red wolves in the population” requires the population to be reclassified as “essential” pursuant to the Endangered Species Act.
The Center for Biological Diversity (CBD) filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina challenging the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service’s denial of CBD’s petition to reclassify the world’s last wild population of red wolves as “essential.” CBD challenges the petition denial as arbitrary and capricious under the Administrative Procedure Act. CBD contends that the existence of “only 13 known and collared red wolves in the population” requires the population to be reclassified as “essential” pursuant to the Endangered Species Act.
Conservation Group Seeks ESA Protection for Imperiled Pollinators
The Center for Biological Diversity (CBD) sent a 60-day notice of intent to sue the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) for failing to protect the American bumble bee, Southern Plains bumble bee, variable cuckoo bumble bee, and blue calamintha bee under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). CBD argues that “the four bee species . . . are highly vulnerable pollinators with outstanding listing petitions for which [FWS] has not made a legally required determination under the ESA.”
The Center for Biological Diversity (CBD) sent a 60-day notice of intent to sue the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) for failing to protect the American bumble bee, Southern Plains bumble bee, variable cuckoo bumble bee, and blue calamintha bee under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). CBD argues that “the four bee species . . . are highly vulnerable pollinators with outstanding listing petitions for which [FWS] has not made a legally required determination under the ESA.”
State Court Updates
Tiger King Personality Sentenced in Connection with Wildlife Trafficking Convictions
The Virginia Attorney General’s Office announced Bhagavan “Doc” Antle’s sentence in connection with his four felony convictions related to the illegal purchase of lion cubs for exhibition at his South Carolina roadside zoo. The judge imposed a $10,000 fine, a suspended prison sentence, and a five-year prohibition on working with, owning, possessing, brokering, buying, selling, trading, bartering, donating, or transferring any exotic animals in Virginia. Antle is still awaiting trial in federal court on separate indictments relating to wildlife trafficking and money laundering. Antle is known for his appearance in the Netflix series “Tiger King.”
The Virginia Attorney General’s Office announced Bhagavan “Doc” Antle’s sentence in connection with his four felony convictions related to the illegal purchase of lion cubs for exhibition at his South Carolina roadside zoo. The judge imposed a $10,000 fine, a suspended prison sentence, and a five-year prohibition on working with, owning, possessing, brokering, buying, selling, trading, bartering, donating, or transferring any exotic animals in Virginia. Antle is still awaiting trial in federal court on separate indictments relating to wildlife trafficking and money laundering. Antle is known for his appearance in the Netflix series “Tiger King.”
Agency Updates
FWS Proposes Threatened Status for Short-Tailed Snakes
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) proposed listing the short-tailed snake, found in parts of Florida, as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. The listing decision also constitutes FWS’s 12-month finding following a 2012 petition submitted by the Center for Biological Diversity and six individuals. FWS will accept public comments on the proposed listing through December 4, 2023.
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) proposed listing the short-tailed snake, found in parts of Florida, as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. The listing decision also constitutes FWS’s 12-month finding following a 2012 petition submitted by the Center for Biological Diversity and six individuals. FWS will accept public comments on the proposed listing through December 4, 2023.
U.S. Forest Service Urged to Prohibit “Hounding” in National Forest in Wisconsin
The Center for Biological Diversity (CBD) submitted the signatures of 830 Wisconsinites on a letter calling on the U.S. Forest Service (“Service”) to ban hounding, the practice of training and using dogs to hunt and chase down wildlife, in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest in Wisconsin. The letter further requests that the Service act on a petition with the same request that CBD and Friends of the Wisconsin Wolf & Wildlife submitted on January 19, 2023.
The Center for Biological Diversity (CBD) submitted the signatures of 830 Wisconsinites on a letter calling on the U.S. Forest Service (“Service”) to ban hounding, the practice of training and using dogs to hunt and chase down wildlife, in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest in Wisconsin. The letter further requests that the Service act on a petition with the same request that CBD and Friends of the Wisconsin Wolf & Wildlife submitted on January 19, 2023.
FWS Proposes Threatened Status for Two Turtle Species
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) proposed listing the northwestern pond turtle and the southwestern pond turtle as threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. The listing determination follows a 2012 listing petition and 2020 lawsuit by the Center for Biological Diversity and constitutes FWS’s 12-month finding. FWS will accept public comments on the proposed listing through December 4, 2023.
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) proposed listing the northwestern pond turtle and the southwestern pond turtle as threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. The listing determination follows a 2012 listing petition and 2020 lawsuit by the Center for Biological Diversity and constitutes FWS’s 12-month finding. FWS will accept public comments on the proposed listing through December 4, 2023.
FWS Opens Public Comment Period on Multiple ESA Permit Applications
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) is considering multiple Endangered Species Act permit applications for otherwise prohibited activities with protected species, including trophy hunting imports, captive bred wildlife registrations, and the import and export of biological samples of protected species. FWS will accept public comments on the applications through November 3, 2023.
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) is considering multiple Endangered Species Act permit applications for otherwise prohibited activities with protected species, including trophy hunting imports, captive bred wildlife registrations, and the import and export of biological samples of protected species. FWS will accept public comments on the applications through November 3, 2023.
International Updates
Spain’s New Animal Welfare Law Takes Effect
A new animal welfare law governing the recreational use of animals has taken effect in Spain. The law prohibits the use of wild animals in circuses, bans the sale of dogs, cats, and ferrets in stores and online, and allows pets in establishments like restaurants and bars. It also imposes fines of up to 200,000 euros (approximately $212,000) for the mistreatment of domestic animals. Certain aspects of the law, including its insurance, registration, and owner training requirements, have not yet taken effect. The law exempts bullfighting and hunting with dogs.
A new animal welfare law governing the recreational use of animals has taken effect in Spain. The law prohibits the use of wild animals in circuses, bans the sale of dogs, cats, and ferrets in stores and online, and allows pets in establishments like restaurants and bars. It also imposes fines of up to 200,000 euros (approximately $212,000) for the mistreatment of domestic animals. Certain aspects of the law, including its insurance, registration, and owner training requirements, have not yet taken effect. The law exempts bullfighting and hunting with dogs.
South Africa Kills 20–30% of the Country’s Chickens in Response to Avian Influenza Outbreaks
South Africa has killed approximately 7.5 million chickens (2.5 broiler chickens and 5 million egg-laying hens), a total that represents 20–30% of the country’s chicken population, in an attempt to contain the spread of avian influenza. To date, more than 200,000 chickens have died across at least 60 avian influenza outbreaks in South Africa.
South Africa has killed approximately 7.5 million chickens (2.5 broiler chickens and 5 million egg-laying hens), a total that represents 20–30% of the country’s chicken population, in an attempt to contain the spread of avian influenza. To date, more than 200,000 chickens have died across at least 60 avian influenza outbreaks in South Africa.