Latest news with #BigCatPublicSafetyAct
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Yahoo
Officials uncover horrifying international scheme hidden behind online pet ads: 'A global criminal organization'
Spanish authorities seized 19 exotic cats from Majorca and arrested the couple who allegedly intended to sell them, The New York Times reported. A Russian couple was arrested on charges of operating a smuggling ring in multiple continents. On the island, police arrested the two suspects and seized exotic felines, including a caracal, two servals, and 16 hybrids. Caracals are protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species and are threatened by habitat loss and hunting. In the raid, authorities uncovered travel documents for more than 40 other animals to countries including Russia, Belarus, and China. "The detainees sold various animal species internationally through internet portals, including white tigers, black leopards, hyenas, and pumas," they said in a statement, according to the Times. "The operation has uncovered a global criminal organization involving breeders, transporters, and veterinarians." According to Panthera, the illegal wildlife trade is a multibillion dollar market. Big cats, such as tigers and lions, are a sought-after commodity across the globe. Unusual pets have become popular on social media, too. For example, the Persian Gulf is a big market for exotic pets, with the crown prince of Dubai having shown off his pet lion, Moochi, on social media. The World Wildlife Fund found that "online platforms are now the dominant market for the trafficking of live wildlife for exotic pets and wildlife products." The World Economic Forum reports that 4,000 animal and plant species are affected by illegal trade. According to a United Nations report, it is part of a larger problem that puts over one million species at risk of extinction. In captivity, cats can become distressed and harm themselves and others. In South Africa, a captive tiger chewed through its own front legs. Wildlife trafficking doesn't just put those animals at risk; since they are taken out of their habitats and upset ecosystems, plants, other creatures, and insects are also in danger. Invasive species threaten ecosystems, human health, and the economy as well, causing over $423 billion in losses annually throughout the world. Even domestic cats are considered an invasive species, as they can impact bird species in certain countries. Do you think people should be allowed to keep exotic animals as pets? Yes No It depends on the animal It depends on the person Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. "Because animal trafficking is an international affair, conservationists say, curbing it requires a unified global approach," Ephrat Livni wrote for the Times. Roughly 5,800 animals, including tigers and caracals, are protected by CITES. In 2022, the United States passed the Big Cat Public Safety Act, which provides protections for exotic cats against trade, purchase, breeding, and possessing. Despite this, wildlife trafficking still happens. However, authorities do make stops. In Israel, officials discovered exotic cats were being trafficked with the use of heavy-duty drones. In Canada, a woman was fined $15,000 for illegally breeding Savannah cats. In 2024, a global operation saved more than 20,000 endangered animals, including 18 big cats. "Efforts to combat wildlife trafficking call for a decisive shift toward harmonized and dissuasive criminal sanctions at the international level," wildlife conservation specialist Meganne Natali said. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
16-04-2025
- Yahoo
Authorities move in after receiving tip about bizarre sighting in residential neighborhood: 'Valued solely for the sum of its body parts'
Big cats are majestic, but unfortunately, some people exploit their beauty. Two men in Arkansas did just that, but authorities caught them. According to ABC 7 News, Keidrick Usifo and Deon Johnson were sentenced to five years' probation and a $5,000 fine, and 18 months' probation and a $1,000 fine, respectively, for violating the Big Cat Public Safety Act. ABC 7 News stated: "The Big Cat Public Safety Act makes the private ownership of big cats such as tigers or lions illegal." To own a big cat, you must register with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service before receiving the animal. It's estimated that Usifo bought and transported a tiger cub from a Dallas broker around March 16-18, 2023. On April 7, 2023, someone reported a sighting of a tiger cub in a residential neighborhood. Then, on April 17, 2023, an anonymous tip was posted on the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission's website "about a tiger cub for sale in Conway," per ABC 7 News. Usifo was arrested on April 21 after being pulled over for a traffic violation. There was a felony state warrant out on him. Investigators could not locate the tiger cub in Usifo's home, but rooms matched the ones on his Instagram with the cub. Usifo made calls to Johnson while in custody, and it was determined that the 29-year-old knew what Usifo was doing in Dallas and fed the tiger when the 30-year-old was arrested. The Big Cat Public Safety Act is not just for the safety of big cats but also for the safety of humans. According to Lions Tigers & Bears, it's a "public safety risk" to have these animals in private homes. They can injure their owners or bystanders. They can also transmit zoonotic diseases. The animals themselves can also suffer. The Environmental Investigation Agency noted that tigers are "on the brink of extinction." Do you think America is in a housing crisis? Definitely Not sure No way Only in some cities Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. In countries such as China, Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, "the tiger has been valued solely for the sum of its body parts," the EIA explained. However, people do not rely on tiger meat for survival or need their body parts for anything. Tigers are not just pretty big cats. They also play a critical role in protecting biodiversity in Asia, supporting ecosystems and other species. One nonprofit, the Los Angeles-based Earth League International, is going undercover to investigate groups illegally trading exotic animals. Then, they send back the intel to the U.S. The EIA is also working to dismantle the illegal trade networks. The organization advocates for better legislation and protection for these beautiful cats. You can also advocate for more laws to help protect big cats. Additionally, you can donate to climate causes doing this vital work. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Yahoo
Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge welcomes seven new tigers rescued from Nevada
Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge near Eureka Springs is now home to seven newly rescued tigers. 'As much as we want to highlight these new tigers and celebrate their rescue, we can't—not yet,' said Tanya Smith, founder and president of Turpentine Creek. 'They're still considered evidence and essentially in witness protection until the case is resolved.' The tigers were removed from a private residence in Nye County, Nev., where they lived in questionable conditions. In just six days, a nine-person team from Turpentine Creek traveled more than 2,800 miles round trip to bring them safely back to Arkansas. Smith said the effort involved extensive logistics and securing special permits to transport the big cats legally across state lines. 'They're doing well,' she added. 'They're just starting to come out and explore their new habitats—touching grass for the first time, stretching their legs in wide-open spaces.' The rescue comes amid growing enforcement of the federal Big Cat Public Safety Act, which was passed in 2022 and went into full effect on June 12, 2023. The law bans private ownership of big cats and prohibits public contact with them. Following the law's passage, Turpentine Creek added over 40 new enclosures, anticipating an influx of rescues. But in 2024, not a single call came in. 'I think everyone who had these cats illegally went underground,' Smith said. 'But I think that's going to change this year.' Turpentine Creek frequently partners with law enforcement and federal agencies during emergency rescues—often with little warning. 'Two weeks' notice is rare,' Smith explained. 'Sometimes, we get a day. If an animal is loose, we get a couple of hours.' In this case, the team arrived in Las Vegas the night before the seizure and met with the Nye County Sheriff at 6 a.m. to finalize safety protocols. 'The goal is always the same: keep the animals and the officers safe.' The journey back wasn't without its challenges. The rescue caravan had to divert around a blizzard and drive through heavy rain that later flooded much of Arkansas. 'We were worried about the cats the entire way,' Smith said. 'They had to be sedated, kept calm, and monitored. Once we got them settled at the refuge, most of us slept until noon. We'd been up for more than 20 hours.' Later that day, staff began medical evaluations and worked to acclimate the tigers gently to their new environments. One of the tigers may need extensive dental work, but the rest were in good shape, considering their previous conditions. 'Some of them were scared of the rain,' she said. 'They've never experienced anything like this begin out in a barren environment. Most of them were kept in spaces smaller than 400 square feet. Here, they have 10,000.' Turpentine Creek began as a family operation. Smith's parents rescued their first lion while living near Hot Springs. Then came another. 'We had two lions in our backyard while my parents worked, and I was still in school,' Smith said, laughing. 'It wasn't ideal. We'd always loved the Eureka Springs area and figured it might be a 'someday' dream—but soon we were selling everything to buy the land.' From there, the sanctuary grew. Today, Turpentine Creek operates as a nonprofit with a $7 million budget, 40 full-time staff, and up to 15 interns on-site at any given time. But at its core, it's still a family affair. Smith works alongside her husband, three kids, and a community of interns and staff she considers family. Interns come from around the world, many pursuing careers in biology, zoology, or veterinary medicine. Smith says that roughly 85% of interns land their dream jobs after completing the program. 'I'm about as proud of that as I am of our rescues,' she said. 'If we're not learning and teaching others, we're only doing half our job.' Turpentine Creek is one of just 14 certified big cat sanctuaries in the U.S., collectively caring for over 1,000 big cats. Since opening, Turpentine Creek has provided care for over 500 in the past 30-plus years. The animals can't be returned to the wild. Many have been mistreated, malnourished, or bred in captivity. In ideal conditions, a tiger can live 20 years in a sanctuary setting—more than double its typical lifespan in the wild. 'It's a lifetime commitment,' said Tammy Thies, executive director of The Wildcat Sanctuary, another rescue facility. 'These animals need space, enrichment, and water—tigers love to play in pools.' It's also expensive. The big cats at Turpentine Creek eat about 10,000 pounds of meat a week. Though Tyson Foods continues to donate meat from its Springdale location, the refuge must pay to store extra inventory off-site. After 9/11, Smith said they developed contingency plans to ensure food security in emergencies. Turpentine Creek has also become a world leader in geriatric care for big cats. 'We're giving them freedom and dignity,' said Thies. 'They may never return to the wild, but with a reputable sanctuary, we can give them the next best thing.' Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge is open year-round (except Christmas) and offers tours, a gift shop, and overnight lodging. Smith said these services generally cover operational costs, so all donations go directly toward animal care and rescue efforts. You can learn more about how to support Turpentine Creek at: Donations Adoptions & Sponsorships Memberships Turpentine Creek is also one of the founding members of the Big Cat Alliance. This article originally appeared on Fort Smith Times Record: Tigers rescued from abuse now roam free in Arkansas sanctuary
Yahoo
13-03-2025
- Yahoo
Wildlife refuge reveals details about rescued tiger
EUREKA SPRINGS, Ark. — Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge (TCWR) has revealed details about a rescued tiger, previously kept undisclosed due to a federal case. Keidrick Damond Usifo and Deon Johnson were found guilty of violating the Big Cat Public Safety Act (BCPSA). Usifo, 30, of Conway, was sentenced to five years' probation and a $5,000 fine, while Johnson, 29, of Little Rock, received 18 months' probation and a $1,000 fine for one count of misprision of a felony. According to a press release, Usifo attempted to purchase a tiger cub from an out-of-state seller. Johnson assisted in hiding the transaction. Both men pled guilty on October 22, 2024. Fred, then a tiger cub, was rescued from an illegal wildlife trade in April of 2023. Now an adult tiger, Fred has adapted to his home. He enjoys playing with enrichment toys, lounging in the sun, and exploring his habitat—behaviors that were denied to him in his previous life. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
09-03-2025
- Yahoo
Conway, Little Rock men sentenced for illegal tiger possession
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — Two Arkansas men were sentenced to probation Thursday for illegally possessing a tiger cub under the Big Cat Public Safety Act. According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, Eastern District of Arkansas, Keidrick Damond Usifo, 30, of Conway, received five years of probation and a $5,000 fine. Deon Johnson, 29, of Little Rock, was sentenced to 18 months of probation and a $1,000 fine. Both were indicted in March 2024 after federal investigators linked them to the tiger. According to a news release, Usifo purchased the cub from a seller in Dallas, Texas, in March 2023 and brought it to his home in Conway. In April 2023, the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission (AGFC) received multiple complaints about a tiger being seen in a residential area. Duggar lawsuit over home repairs dismissed Authorities searched Usifo's home and, although they did not find the tiger, they uncovered evidence that a cub had been there, including social media posts showing Usifo with the animal. Usifo was arrested on April 21, 2023, on an unrelated felony warrant. While in jail, he called Johnson, who had helped care for the tiger in his absence, according to the release. Johnson later denied any knowledge of the animal when questioned by authorities. The Big Cat Public Safety Act, passed in December 2022, bans private ownership of big cats and prohibits public contact with them. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
