[kenmacd]

I read the article, but I'm still not sure what part was illegal, and why. It says that part of the law is 'prevent the creation of hybrids', and the sentence was to 'deter anyone else from trying to "change the genetic makeup of the creatures"'... but isn't that way every animal breeder does?

I get the importation of body parts of endangered animals being illegal. If it's just a sentence for that then I get it. But then why is it written that he was jailed for cloning the sheep.

[pavel_lishin]

> Arthur “Jack” Schubarth, 81, illegally imported body parts of Marco Polo argali sheep

> The sheep, native to the mountains of the Pamir region of Central Asia, are protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (Cites).

> They are prohibited in Montana to protect native sheep from disease - as well as to prevent the creation of hybrids.

It sounds like he broke two laws - one about importation of animal parts, and one for having a living animal that's prohibited in Montana.

> But then why is it written that he was jailed for cloning the sheep.

Because it's a catchy headline.

[neuronexmachina]

You can see a list of what he pled guilty to here: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/montana-man-pleads-guilty-fed...

[squidgedcricket]

> “In pursuit of this scheme, Schubarth violated international law and the Lacey Act, both of which protect the viability and health of native populations of animals. ...

> The Lacey Act prohibits interstate trade in wildlife that has been taken, possessed, transported or sold in violation of federal or state law. The Lacey Act also prohibits the interstate sale of wildlife that has been falsely labeled. The Act is one of the most powerful tools the United States has to combat wildlife trafficking and prevent ecological invasion by injurious wildlife."

Laws aside, I think the largest potential harm is introducing a potentially invasive species that could harm local ecosystem.