Punish Man Who Reportedly Smuggled 1,700 Animals in Plastic Bags

Target: George Gascón, District Attorney of Los Angeles County

Goal: Punish California man who reportedly smuggled over 1,700 wild animals to the fullest extent of the law.

A California man who reportedly smuggled over 1,700 wild animals into the U.S. has just pleaded guilty to federal charges. Jose Manuel Perez apparently smuggled these animals–including 60 reptiles, 3 of which died in transit–in his clothing, pants, and tight, plastic bags. Law enforcement officials estimated that the smuggled wildlife has a market value of more than $739,000.

The exotic pet trade industry is particularly cruel, as animals can be transported for days without any access to food or water. The rampant poaching of animals, which are often captured from their natural habitats and sold as exotic pets, has devastating effects on wild animal populations and ecosystems more generally. Those involved do not care about the wellbeing of the animals they are selling, only the profit that can be made.

Perez can face up to 20 years in prison for each of his two smuggling counts, and additional time for an animal trafficking charge. Sign this petition to demand Mr. Perez receives maximum punishment.

PETITION LETTER:

Dear District Attorney Gascón,

A California resident, Jose Manuel Perez, has recently been charged for illegally smuggling over 1,700 wild animals–60 of which were reptiles, including Yucatan box turtles, Mexican box turtles, baby crocodiles, and Mexican beaded lizards. Perez reportedly transported these animals from Mexico and Hong Kong to the U.S. without the proper permits required under an international treaty on endangered species trade. While crossing into the U.S., Perez apparently hid the animals in his pants, clothing, and cramped plastic bags with little air.

The exotic pet trade, of which Perez and thousands of others are allegedly involved, is a terrible industry, and has devastating effects on wild animal populations. Not to mention smuggled animals may be transported for days and across numerous countries, with little to no access to food, water, or proper veterinary care. For every one animal that survives the transit, an estimated three die.

Now faced with two smuggling counts and one animal trafficking charge, Perez can face upwards of 20 years in federal prison for his crimes. We are asking you, Mr. Gascón, to demand Jose Manuel Perez be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law for his apparent transgressions. Trafficking animals is never okay.

Sincerely,

[Your Name Here]

Photo Credit: Amy Enchelmeyer