Title: ‘Tiger King’ Animal Trainer ‘Doc’ Antle Sentenced for Wildlife Trafficking in Virginia
Introduction:
An animal trainer, prominently featured in the popular Netflix series “Tiger King,” has been given a suspended sentence of two years after pleading guilty to wildlife trafficking in Virginia, as announced by the state attorney general’s office.
Body:
God “Doc” Antle, known as the owner of Myrtle Beach Safari, has also been banned from owning or handling exotic wild animals in the state for five years, according to Attorney General Jason Miares’ statement released on Tuesday.
The charges against Antle stemmed from allegations that he had unlawfully purchased endangered lion cubs in Frederick County, Virginia, with the intention of exhibiting them at his South Carolina zoo for profit. In June, a jury convicted him on two counts of wildlife trafficking and conspiracy to traffic wildlife, resulting in a 20-year prison sentence.
Antle gained popularity for his appearance in the Netflix documentary miniseries, “Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem, and Madness,” which shed light on the world of tiger ranchers.
Prosecutors claimed that Antle’s Myrtle Beach Safari, which included a petting zoo, fostered an environment that necessitated a continuous supply of young lion cubs. Lastly, illegal cub exchanges occurred in 2017, 2018, and 2019.
Attorney General Miares emphasized the significance of this case as a deterrent for potential offenders, asserting that Virginia rigorously upholds the rule of law without exception. His statement mentioned that this commitment extended to dealing with violent repeat offenders, individuals in the pharmaceutical industry, fraudsters, scammers, and wildlife traffickers.
FAQs:
Q: What was ‘Doc’ Antle’s sentence for wildlife trafficking?
A: Antle received a two-year suspended sentence after pleading guilty to wildlife trafficking in Virginia.
Q: Was Antle banned from owning or handling exotic wild animals?
A: Yes, Antle is prohibited from owning or handling exotic wild animals in Virginia for five years.
Q: Why was Antle convicted?
A: The charges against Antle stemmed from accusations of illegally purchasing endangered lion cubs in Virginia for display and profit at his South Carolina zoo.
Q: Where did ‘Doc’ Antle gain fame?
A: Antle gained prominence after appearing in the Netflix documentary miniseries, “Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem, and Madness.”
Q: What did prosecutors allege about Antle’s petting zoo?
A: Prosecutors claimed that Antle’s Myrtle Beach Safari, including its petting zoo, encouraged the constant supply of young lion cubs through illegal exchanges in 2017, 2018, and 2019.
Q: What message did Attorney General Jason Miares emphasize with this case?
A: Attorney General Miares stated that this prosecution sends a clear message that Virginia strictly upholds the rule of law without exception, encompassing those dealing with wildlife trafficking. The commitment extends to various other types of offenders as well.
