Case details

Justice Department prosecutors say Shubart is illegal Created genetic hybrids using body tissues from a sample of the largest sheep breed Around the World The advertisement stated that these animals could weigh more than 140 kilograms, be about 1.2 meters tall, and have horns longer than 1.5 meters.

Through years of artificial insemination and selective breeding, Schubart continued to sell his monstrously giant clones to big game hunters as well as other breeders.

Currently Shubart Found guilty of two serious wildlife offenses Under the Lacey Act, a conservation law that bans animal trafficking.

His actions endangered Montana’s native wildlife because he and his accomplices wanted to make more money.
Todd Kimm, Assistant Attorney General for Environment and Natural Resources at the Department of Justice, said in a statement.

Schubart purchased tissue samples from Marco Polo sheep from hunters in Kyrgyzstan in 2013. Working with at least five people, he sent the genetic material to a laboratory for analysis. creates cloned embryos that he implants into sheep on his farm.

After several unsuccessful attempts, one of these sheep finally produced a genetically pure male Marco Polo arhar. Schubart called him “Montana’s Mountain King” (Montana Mountain King, MMK). Schubart crossed MMK with other sheep to create even larger versions of the animals. To earn more money, MMK also sold his semen to sheep breeders in other states.

The investigation found that at least two of the cloned sheep Schubart raised died of a chronic infectious disease A debilitating disease called Johne’s disease that can spread directly between animals or through environmental pollution.

“This case demonstrates the serious threat that wildlife trade poses to our native species and ecosystems. Mr. Shubart’s actions not only violated numerous laws designed to protect wildlife, but also put him at risk of spreading disease and disrupting the genetic integrity of our feral sheep.” ” Edward Grace, deputy director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Office of Law Enforcement, said in a statement.

Schubart pleaded guilty

Originally, the defendant faced up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. However, he pleaded guilty and therefore the sentence was significantly reduced. Additionally, the judge reduced the sentence further, taking into account his advanced age and lack of a criminal record. As a result, Arthur Shubart will spend six months behind bars and pay a $24,000 fine.

I’ll have to work my whole life to fix everything I’ve done
Schubart told the judge before the verdict.

It is not yet clear whether a lawsuit will be filed against people who purchased Shubart sheep clones. A representative from the Department of Justice declined to comment on the matter.

MMK is now being held by the Fish and Wildlife Service until he can be transferred to the zoo.