News Summary
PETA has urged federal authorities to investigate Doc Antle after his recent wildlife trafficking conviction. Despite his sentencing, Antle allegedly continues to manage Myrtle Beach Safari through a different entity. PETA is calling for an immediate cessation of operations and the revocation of the operating license for Sugriva LLC, citing concerns about animal treatment. Antle’s ongoing involvement with animal encounters has sparked outrage among activists, raising significant questions about compliance with wildlife regulations in the U.S.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina – Animal rights organization PETA has formally called on federal authorities to investigate Doc Antle, a prominent figure from the Netflix docuseries “Tiger King,” following his recent conviction for wildlife trafficking. Antle was sentenced to a year and a day in federal prison after he pleaded guilty to charges including wildlife trafficking and money laundering. Despite his legal troubles, PETA alleges that Antle continues to manage Myrtle Beach Safari through a different business entity, raising concerns about the ongoing treatment of animals at the facility.
PETA’s leadership has emphasized the need for immediate action in light of Antle’s admissions during his sentencing, where he acknowledged his continued oversight of operations at Myrtle Beach Safari. The organization has pointed out that Antle’s capacity to operate could potentially violate regulations against wildlife trafficking. They are urging the USDA to revoke the operating license of Sugriva LLC, a business linked to Antle through one of his romantic partners, China York. This business was previously granted an operating license prior to Antle’s guilty plea earlier in 2023.
The USDA has indicated that Antle’s personal license was annulled due to his legal issues. However, the agency states that they remain committed to upholding standards for the humane treatment of animals. Following Antle’s conviction, PETA has filed requests for an immediate cessation of operations at Myrtle Beach Safari, citing the illegal activities associated with Sugriva LLC as grounds for their petition.
Despite his federal conviction, Antle reportedly continues to lead animal encounters and exhibits, sparking outrage among animal rights advocates. PETA has called on the public to reconsider their support for Myrtle Beach Safari and to avoid engaging with social media accounts that promote such exploitative practices. The organization contends that Antle is evading the consequences of his canceled permit by using Sugriva LLC as a front for his ongoing operations.
As of July 2025, documents reveal that Myrtle Beach Safari remains federally certified through October, which has raised additional questions regarding oversight and compliance with wildlife regulations. Prosecutors have characterized Antle as a key player in a larger black market dealing in federally protected animals, emphasizing the seriousness of his offenses.
In his defense during the court proceedings, Antle claimed that his wildlife-related violations stemmed from a failure to secure necessary permits rather than from direct abuse or neglect of animals. His attorney has not provided any insight or comment in response to PETA’s recent calls for investigation.
The PETA organization continues to advocate for the rights of captive wildlife and calls for stricter enforcement of existing animal welfare laws. The recent developments surrounding Doc Antle serve as a significant chapter in ongoing discussions about animal rights, wildlife trafficking, and the regulatory measures in place to protect endangered species in the United States.
As authorities reassess methods of oversight and regulation, the situation remains dynamic, with potential implications for both the operation at Myrtle Beach Safari and the broader wildlife conservation efforts across the nation.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
PETA Calls for USDA Investigation into Myrtle Beach Safari
Additional Resources
- WPDE: Investigation into Doc Antle and Myrtle Beach Safari
- Post and Courier: PETA Calls for Investigation of Doc Antle
- WMBF News: PETA Requests Closure of Myrtle Beach Safari
- WBTW: PETA Urges USDA to Shut Down Myrtle Beach Safari
- ABC News 4: Doc Antle’s Codefendant Pleads Guilty
- Wikipedia: Wildlife Trafficking
- Google Search: Doc Antle Myrtle Beach Safari
- Google Scholar: Animal Rights
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Animal Welfare
- Google News: Myrtle Beach Safari
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
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