BUFFALO, N.Y. — An Amherst man was indicted Thursday in federal court and charged with trafficking exotic African cats.
Christopher Casacci, 38, was charged with violating the Lacey Act and the U.S. Animal Welfare Act and faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine, according to the office of U.S. Attorney James Kennedy.
Prosecutors say Casacci imported and sold dozens of desert lynx and servals between February and June of 2018. Both cats are are native to Africa and grow up to 40 to 45 pounds.
Prosecutors also say that Casacci classified the animals as domesticated breeds, such as savannah cats and bengal cats, on shipping records to help disguise the activity.
Casacci will appear in court on January 23.
