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Rickie D. Cloyd, 61, Convicted of East Tennessee Wildlife Poisoning
A devastating case of wildlife poisoning in East Tennessee has come to a close with the conviction of Rickie D. Cloyd, 61, of Fall Branch, Tenn. Cloyd was found guilty of violating the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act related to his unlawful use of a restricted use pesticide.
According to the evidence presented at trial, Cloyd used the highly toxic pesticide Carbofuran, marketed under the name Furadan, in an attempt to control pests on his farm in Washington County, Tenn. However, this decision proved to be catastrophic, resulting in the primary and secondary poisonings of a variety of animals, including several species of migratory birds.
The investigation into the cause of death of numerous deceased animals found near Cloyd’s farm was a collaborative effort between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, Tennessee Department of Agriculture, and Environmental Protection Agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Christian Lampe represented the United States in this case.
Cloyd was convicted following a bench trial in front of the Honorable Dennis H. Inman, U.S. Magistrate Judge, in April 2015. As a result of his conviction, Cloyd was sentenced to pay a total of $5,000 in fines. This conviction serves as a stern warning to those who would seek to harm our nation’s wildlife.
The use of restricted use pesticides such as Carbofuran is heavily regulated due to its toxicity. In fact, Furadan is no longer available for commercial purchase due to its devastating effects on wildlife. It is clear that Cloyd’s actions were a gross disregard for the well-being of the animals on his farm and the surrounding environment.
As a community, we must come together to protect our wildlife and prevent such tragic incidents from occurring in the future. This conviction is a step in the right direction, and we hope that it will serve as a deterrent to others who would seek to harm our nation’s precious wildlife.
The case of Rickie D. Cloyd serves as a stark reminder of the importance of responsible pesticide use and the devastating consequences of wildlife poisoning. We must continue to work together to protect our environment and the animals that call it home.
Key Facts
- State: Tennessee
- Category: Environmental Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release ↗
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