Texan Couple Arrested for Illegal Big Cat Sales
A Texan couple is facing legal trouble after being arrested for allegedly selling a margay and attempting to sell a jaguar cub. This marks the first case filed under The Big Cat Act, and it could lead to serious consequences for the accused pair.
No License for Exotic Animals
Rafael Gutierrez-Galvan, 29, and his wife, Deyanira Garza, 28, both from Alamo, find themselves in hot water. They have no license to buy, sell, trade, or transport exotic animals.
First Court Appearances
Just a day after the alleged jaguar sale, the couple made their first appearances in federal court in McAllen.
Illegal Margay Cub Sale
Gutierrez-Galvan faces charges of selling a margay cub for $7,500 (£6,150) in a sports store parking lot the month before. The buyer reportedly instructed Garza to bring a case of cash from their home, but their plans were foiled when law enforcement conducted a traffic stop and discovered the money.
About Margays and Jaguars
A margay is a small wild cat native to Central and South America, and it’s considered “near threatened” by international charity World Animal Protection. Jaguars, on the other hand, are both protected wildlife and an endangered species. Thankfully, both animals have been safely recovered by authorities.
The Big Cat Public Safety Act
In December 2022, The Big Cat Public Safety Act was introduced to end private ownership of big cats as pets and prohibit exhibitors from allowing public contact with big cats, including cubs. This legal development aims to protect these majestic creatures from exploitation.
Remembering “Tiger King”
Back in 2020, the Netflix series “Tiger King” shed light on the exploitation of big cats in captivity in the United States, along with the use of cubs for profit. The infamous Joe Exotic, a central figure in the show, is currently serving a 21-year prison sentence for a murder-for-hire charge against animal welfare activist Carole Baskin, who also appeared in the series.
Legal Consequences
If convicted, Gutierrez-Galvan and Garza could face up to five years in federal prison and a possible fine of up to $20,000 (£16,400). The case serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting big cats and the consequences of illegal activities related to these magnificent creatures.