ATLANTA - Daryl Fischer of Seminole, Florida and Russell Taylor of Loxahatchee, Florida were sentenced on Tuesday, April 28, 2015, to terms of probation for improper use of the pesticide Aldicarb, which is marketed as Temik, announced the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Alabama, George L. Beck, Jr.
The 2 men were members of a hunting club leasing Bucksnort Plantation near Fitzpatrick, Alabama, and on January 31, 2014 sprinkled granules of Temik on portions of a deer carcass that they spread around the property in an effort to kill coyotes. Temik is toxic to fish, birds and other wildlife, and is not approved for use as a poison for animals. The poisoning resulted in significant loss of animal life, including 3 fox-hunting dogs, 2 red-tailed hawks, and a black vulture. In addition to their terms of probation, Fischer and Taylor are prohibited from hunting all game animals for one year, including deer and migratory birds; are ordered to pay restitution and fines in the amount of $14,249.79; and will be responsible for publishing a public notice in the Union Springs Herald regarding the misuse of toxic pesticides.
"Using pesticides for purposes other than their registered use is illegal and puts people, animals and the environment at risk of exposure," said Maureen O'Mara, Special Agent in Charge of the E.P.A.'s criminal enforcement plan in Alabama. "Pesticide labels and usage instructions must be followed carefully to ensure safe application. Today's sentence sends a strong signal that individuals who knowingly misuse these products and kill protected wildlife will be prosecuted."
"This investigation was highly successful because of the collaborative efforts from everyone who worked on this important investigation," said Luis Santiago, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S.F.W.S. Office of Law Enforcement plan in the southeast. "Our agents will continue to work with federal, state, and local agencies to vigorously pursue those who misuse registered use pesticides."
"I want to commend the E.P.A. Criminal Investigation Division and the U.S.F.W.S. for their outstanding work in this case," stated U.S. Attorney Beck. "We must protect our wildlife and environment for generations to come."
This case was investigated by the E.P.A. Criminal Investigation Division and the U.S.F.W.S. Office of Law Enforcement. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Gray M. Borden.
Connect with E.P.A. Region four on Facebook: www.facebook.com/eparegion4
And on Twitter: @EPASoutheast
