Rancher Faces Prison Time for Selling Cloned Sheep Offspring
An 80-year-old Montana rancher, Arthur “Jack” Schubarth, has found himself in hot water after being charged with illegally selling offspring from a cloned sheep. The cloned sheep, a hybrid of Marco Polo argali sheep, were sold across state lines to game farms, fetching prices ranging from $250,000 to $550,000.
Illegal Scheme Unveiled
Schubarth’s lucrative business of selling sheep for exorbitant prices took a dark turn as authorities uncovered his illegal activities. The hybrids, a mix of Marco Polo argali and other bighorn sheep, were created to cater to the demand from hunting farms, particularly in Texas.
Legal Consequences
Schubarth pleaded guilty to charges related to the illegal scheme and awaits sentencing in July. He faces up to five years in prison and hefty fines for his felonies. The cloning process itself was not illegal, but the transportation of the sheep across state lines and falsifying documents violated wildlife protection laws.
Concerns and Ramifications
The case raises concerns about the impact of cloned and hybrid sheep on ecosystems and agricultural industries. While the genetic aspect may not pose an immediate threat, the unauthorized movement of genetic material could potentially carry diseases and disrupt native species.