Illegal Cloning Scheme Leads to High-Priced Hybrid Sheep for Captive HuntsÂ
Arthur “Jack” Schubarth, 81, a Montana breeder, has been sentenced to six months in jail following the discovery of a dubious operation involving the unlawful cloning of a rare gigantic sheep species for trophy hunting. Profiting from the desire for big animals in captive hunting operations, rancher Schubarth, known for raising alternative species, allegedly sold the young animals at outrageous rates.
How Did the Cloning of the Marco Polo Argali Happen?
Court records show that Schubarth illegally transported body parts of the world’s most extensive wild sheep, Marco Polo argali sheep, from Kyrgyzstan. Native to the Pamir Mountains of Central Asia, argali sheep are a very protected species covered by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). These sheep are sought for their size; males weigh more than 135 kg (300 lbs) and have horns spanning more than 1.5 meters (5 ft).
Using imported genetic material, Schubarth created cloned embryos in a lab that produced a single male clone he dubbed “Montana Mountain King,” (MMK). After that, ewes were inseminated from MMK, a giant hybrid sheep, resulting in offspring Schubarth sold to private hunting estates, which were utilized in highly expensive trophy hunts.
Why Were the Hybrid Sheep So Valuable for Hunting?
“This was an audacious scheme to create massive hybrid sheep species to be sold and hunted as trophies,” stated a Justice Department Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD) statement.
With one child allegedly sold for $10,000, Schubarth’s cloned hybrid sheep commanded significant sums. Court documents indicate he sold hybrid sheep and MMK’s semen to at least three people in Texas. Additionally, a Minnesota resident brought sheep to Schubarth’s ranch for insemination by the cloned giant.
The financial appeal of Schubarth’s business was enhanced by the enthusiastic acquisition of these larger-than-life sheep by private hunting preserves, where consumers paid to kill animals kept in captivity.
What Were the Legal and Environmental Concerns?
A significant violation of international wildlife protection rules was Marco Polo argali sheep body parts imported illegally into Montana. The state forbids these sheep to stop the spread of diseases to native sheep populations and to guard against hybrid production, therefore upsetting local ecosystems.
District Court Judge Brian Morris said at the sentencing hearing, “This case highlights the dangers of individuals trying to change the genetic makeup of wildlife for personal gain.” “I battled with the sentence; but, we have to discourage anyone else from trying to control the life on Earth in such a way.”
Why Did Schubarth Express Regret Over His Actions?
Apart from his six-month jail term, Schubarth paid fines totaling $20,000. The judge characterized his enterprise as a reckless endeavor driven by ambition to exploit legal grey areas and avarice. Running Sun River Enterprises LLC, a ranch focused on alternative cattle, Schubarth felt tremendous guilt about his activities.
“My enthusiasm blinded my normal perspective and searched for any grey area in the law to make the best sheep I could for this sheep industry,” Schubarth told the court. “Although my family has never been broke, we are right now. I am embarrassed of what I have done.”
What Will Happen to Montana Mountain King (MMK) Now?
Schubarth, behind bars, has decided the fate of MMK, the cloned gigantic sheep at the core of the affair. MMK will be taken to a zoo, where he will spend the remainder of his life in a cage, away from the debate and exploitation surrounding his creation, instead of father hybrid children for trophy hunting.
The instance reminds us strongly of the results of trying to profit from nature using manipulation. Schubarth’s activities have generated ethical, environmental, and legal questions regarding the future of wildlife preservation and cloning technology by producing a hybrid species and trying to commercialize it for trophy hunting.
