5:17 PM PT — Doc Antle says, “I am terribly shocked and disappointed at the charges that have been filed against me by the Commonwealth of Virginia, and how they have sought to involve my daughters in this matter. I categorically deny any act or conduct that could ever be considered as “animal cruelty.”
He added he would never hurt or abuse any of his animals, and is looking “forward to being able to answer these charges and to be able to clear my good name.”
We’re told Doc and his daughters have not yet been taken into custody.
‘Tiger King’ star Doc Antle is facing a slew of felony and misdemeanor charges now for his treatment and transport of lion cubs.
Antle, the owner and founder of Myrtle Beach Safari, was indicted Friday in Virginia for felony wildlife trafficking after a months-long investigation found evidence he trafficked lion cubs between South Carolina and Virginia … according to Virginia’s Attorney General.
You’ll recall … Netflix’s “Tiger King” documentary mentioned Antle’s safari park was raided last December, and now it seems that raid was part of this investigation.
Antle is also charged with 1 felony count of conspiracy to sell or transport endangered wildlife, 4 misdemeanor counts of conspiracy to violate the Endangered Species Act, and 9 misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty.
In addition, 2 of Antle’s daughters, Tawny Antle and Tilakam Watterson, were charged with misdemeanors for animal cruelty and violating the Endangered Species Act.
The same investigation led to felony charges against Keith A. Wilson, owner of Wilson’s Wild Animal Park. Authorities say they seized 119 animals, including lions, tigers, bears, camels, goats, water buffalo, and more from Wilson’s roadside zoo and claim he got some of the animals from Antle.
Originally Published — 9:35 AM PT
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