A Siberian lynx seized after a Broward teen reportedly tried to sell the sick cat on Craigslist has died, Florida Fish and Wildlife officials announced Wednesday.
In November FWC responded to a complaint that a big cat was being housed in substandard living conditions with no access to clean drinking water.
Authorities report that it was in the possession of a 15-year-old in Southwest Ranches who admitted to trading his dune buggy and dirt bike for the 65-pound lynx to a Miami wildlife dealer. According to the South Florida Sun Sentinel, the boy later tried to sell the cat on Craigslist.
The teen had no permit for such an animal, officials report, even though one is required in Florida for Class II wildlife. Read the full guidelines here.
When found, the lynx had severe eye and skin infections and was in kidney and liver failure. Although it made significant improvement while in rehabilitation, FWC reports that it was unable to recover from extensive damage to his internal organs.
The teen and his father were issued misdemeanor citations, including possession of a Class II animal without a permit and improper caging. The 15-year-old was also cited for attempting to sell wildlife without a permit.
The wildlife dealer, identified by the Sun Sentinel as Daniel Blinder, was cited for providing a Class II animal to an unpermitted individual, and for obstruction as he initially denied involvement in the trade.
If convicted, the men face maximum penalties of $500 fines and one-year jail terms for each count, the Sentinel reports.
Click below for images of the lynx (WARNING: GRAPHIC):
