© 2024 88.9 KETR
Public Radio for Northeast Texas
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Texas Wardens Crack Down on Illegal Online Animal Trade

The TPWD issued nearly two dozen citations for illegal sales.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is looking to shut down online sales of illegal animals and animal parts around the Metroplex.

TPW says a crackdown on various websites and mobile platforms this week led to the agency issuing 20 citations against sellers trading in illegal animal goods.  In a statement issued Thursday, TPW said game wardens were able to negotiate undercover deals to buy a  taxidermied great blue heron, raptor talons, American alligator heads, and live box turtles.

Col. Grahame Jones, Law Enforcement Director with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department said that Wildlife trafficking online is  "a major problem and we want to send a message loud and clear that it will not be tolerated."

The citations are for fines between $25 and $500.

Scott Morgan has been an award-winning journalist since 2001. His work has appeared in several newspapers and magazines as well as online. He has also been an editor, freelancer, speaker, writing teacher, author, and podcaster.