Bhagavan "Doc" Antle, a prominent figure in the Netflix sensation "Tiger King," has been slapped with a $10,000 fine and a five-year ban from working with, owning, buying, selling, or trading exotic animals in Virginia, ABC 15 reports.

This verdict comes after his conviction on wildlife charges that have raised eyebrows and set the stage for a significant shift in the way we approach the welfare of wild creatures.

Photo: Ligertrainer , Wikimedia Commons / en:Andy Carvin, License: CC BY-SA 2.5 DEED
Bhagavan "Doc" Antle is a well-known figure in the world of exotic animals.

Who Is Doc Antle?

Bhagavan "Doc" Antle rose to fame as one of the stars of the wildly popular Netflix documentary "Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem, and Madness." In the series, he was shown as a mentor to Joe Exotic, though he has condemned the series' portrayal, Oprah Daily reports. The eccentric animal park boss, Joseph Maldonado-Passage, is serving a 21-year prison sentence for a murder-for-hire plot targeting animal rights activist Carole Baskin. Antle, known for his extensive collection of big cats and exotic animals, runs the Myrtle Beach Safari, a wildlife attraction in South Carolina.

The Conviction and Charges

Doc Antle's legal troubles began when he initially faced 13 charges related to wildlife trafficking and cruelty to animals in Virginia, One Green Planet reports. These charges stemmed from his alleged illegal purchase of endangered lion cubs in Frederick County, Virginia, which he intended to display at his Myrtle Beach Safari business in South Carolina.

After a week-long trial, a verdict was reached in June, leading to Doc Antle's conviction on two counts of wildlife trafficking and two counts of conspiring to traffic wildlife. As the Winchester Star reports, four additional charges were dropped during the trial due to insufficient evidence, as reported by Antle's defense team.

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Antle ran the Myrtle Beach Safari, a wildlife attraction located in South Carolina.

The Sentencing

Antle received a two-year prison sentence for each of the wildlife trafficking and conspiracy charges, with the time suspended for these charges to run concurrently, the New York Post reports. Additionally, Antle was ordered to pay a substantial $10,000 fine, reflecting the seriousness of the offenses.

Furthermore, the judge imposed a critical ban on Doc Antle's involvement with exotic animals in Virginia for a duration of five years. This comprehensive ban encompassed various aspects, including working with, owning, buying, selling, trading, transferring, bartering, or donating exotic animals.

Implications and Reactions

Doc Antle's conviction and the subsequent ban on his interaction with exotic animals send a strong message about the consequences of wildlife trafficking and cruelty. In a news release, Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares emphasized that the case underscores Virginia's commitment to upholding the rule of law without exception, whether dealing with violent repeat offenders or wildlife traffickers.

While Antle has escaped imprisonment this time, he still faces multiple federal charges, including alleged money laundering and wildlife trafficking of animals such as endangered cheetahs and a chimpanzee.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons / ZooFriend, License: CC BY-SA 4.0 DEED
Antle has a reputation for his extensive collection of big cats and exotic animals.

Doc Antle's Checkered Past

This recent conviction is not the first time Doc Antle has faced legal trouble in his career. According to the Associated Press, dating back to 1989, he received a fine from the US Department of Agriculture for abandoning deer and peacocks at his zoo in Virginia. Over the years, he has accumulated more than 35 USDA violations related to the mistreatment of animals, the New York Post maintains.

In June 2022, Antle was charged with money laundering, accused of participating in a scheme to smuggle wildlife across the Mexican border into the United States. If convicted of these money laundering charges, he could potentially face up to 20 years in federal prison, and up to five more if convicted of wildlife trafficking.

Antle's legal troubles serve as a stark reminder of the consequences of wildlife trafficking and animal cruelty, and shed light on the ongoing battle for the welfare of exotic animals and the need for stricter regulations in the industry.

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