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Exotic Cat Trafficking Bust: Amherst Man Sentenced to 18 Months in Prison
BUFFALO, N.Y. – Christopher Casacci, 39, of Amherst, was sentenced to 18 months in prison for violating the Lacey Act and the Animal Welfare Act by trafficking African wild cats.
Casacci was doing business as ‘ExoticCubs.com,’ where he advertised, imported, and sold exotic African cats, including caracals and servals, for $7,500 to $10,000 each. He claimed to be operating as a big cat rescue organization to avoid New York prohibitions against possessing and selling wild animals.
Between February and June of 2018, Casacci imported and sold dozens of caracals and servals, both of which are protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and New York state law.
Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim stated, ‘Selling wild animals as pets not only breaks the law, but also endangers local communities and environments.’ U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross added, ‘The purpose of the Lacey Act and the Animal Welfare Act is to protect fish, wildlife, and other animals from individuals who seek to profit from trafficking.’
Caracals and servals are wild cats native to Africa that grow to approximately 45 pounds and 40 pounds, respectively. Despite their size and wild nature, Casacci marketed them as ‘house pets.’ Multiple kittens imported by Casacci died while in his care or days after he sold them, and many live kittens were seized from Casacci during the investigation.
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service’s Office of Law Enforcement and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Bureau of Environmental Crimes Investigation, Region 9. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Patrick Duggan of the ENRD’s Environmental Crimes Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango of the Western District of New York.
Casacci was previously indicted for his actions in January of 2020. The seized animals are now permanently residing within accredited animal sanctuaries.
Contact: Barbara Burns, (716) 843-5817, or (716) 551-3051.
Key Facts
- State: New York
- Category: Wildlife Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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