Wildlife Trafficking Arrests

Photo

WKRG.com Related Resources

Discuss this in the forum

By Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

M60o93H7pQ09L8X1t49cHY01Z5j4TT91fGfr Wildlife Trafficking Arrests

Published: Mon, November 12, 2007 - 1:19 pm
Last Updated: Mon, November 12, 2007 - 1:27 pm

Officers with Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division arrested 18 people across Alabama for the illegal trade, importation and possession of live foxes, coyotes and other wildlife.
The animals involved were destined for fenced fox running enclosures where they were being released as running stock for hounds. Foxes confined to fenced running enclosures rarely survive long-term and this creates the demand for a continuous supply of new animals for restocking. In recent years, coyotes have become a popular substitute for foxes.
Officers seized 55 foxes, 25 coyotes, 33 cardinals and 2 bobcats.
The arrests are the result of a two-year investigation called “Operation Foxote,” which began in Alabama and then extended across the Southeast. More arrests are expected.

Arrested:
Harold Widder: Antigo, Wisconsin
Howard Blevins: Asheville, North Carolina
Paul Tribble: Panama City Beach, Florida
Don Willis: Franklin County
Charles Patton: Walker County
Billy Sellers: Houston County
Robert Boyd: Dale County
Calvin Wright: Clarke County
Sean Atchison, Charles Parnell, Charlie Howard and Charles Busby: Washington County
Denver Nichols: Lamar County
Edgar Smitherman: Chilton County
Greg Tew: Henry County
David Richburg: Covington County
Kenneth Carnley: Coffee County
J.R. Edwards: Butler County

News Map