Netflix’s ‘Tiger King’ Star ‘Doc’ Antle: Suspended Sentence in Virginia Wildlife Trafficking Case
In a recent development that has garnered significant attention, Bhagavan “Doc” Antle, the renowned animal trainer featured in the hit Netflix series “Tiger King,” has received a suspended two-year sentence following his conviction for wildlife trafficking in Virginia. This legal outcome has been announced by the Virginia State Attorney General’s office.
Wildlife Trafficking Conviction and Ban
Antle’s conviction stems from his involvement in the illegal purchase of endangered lion cubs in Frederick County, Virginia, which were subsequently displayed for profit at his South Carolina-based zoo. The jury found him guilty in June on two felony counts each of wildlife trafficking and conspiring to wildlife traffic. Although he could have faced a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, the court decided on a suspended sentence.
In addition to the suspended sentence, Attorney General Jason Miyares disclosed that Antle has been banned from owning and dealing in exotic wild animals within the state of Virginia for a duration of five years.
‘Tiger King’ Fame and Controversy
Bhagavan “Doc” Antle gained notoriety through his appearances in the Netflix documentary miniseries, “Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness,” which delved into the world of tiger breeders. This documentary shed light on the controversial practices within the exotic animal industry.
The Motivation Behind the Crimes
According to prosecutors, the lucrative petting zoo operated by Myrtle Beach Safari, which is owned by Antle, served as a driving force behind his actions. They argued that the desire to maintain a constant supply of immature lion cubs led to illegal cub exchanges occurring in 2017, 2018, and 2019.
A Strong Message from Virginia’s Justice System
Attorney General Miyares emphasized that the prosecution of this case sends a resounding message. He stated, “In Virginia, we uphold the rule of law without exception, whether dealing with violent repeat offenders, big pharma, fraudsters and scammers, or wildlife traffickers.” This statement underscores the state’s commitment to enforcing the law in a variety of domains.
In conclusion, the suspended sentence handed down to ‘Doc’ Antle, coupled with the ban on owning and dealing in exotic wild animals, marks a significant development in the legal battle surrounding his wildlife trafficking activities. This case serves as a reminder of the consequences that individuals in the exotic animal industry may face when engaging in unlawful practices
