DALLAS– Some may have thought Stephen Andrew Moore, 46, of Tannersville, Monroe County, enjoyed wildlife. However, as neighbors may have noticed a decline in the local wildlife populations, it became clear that Moore was participating in a non-traditional form of poaching: possession of wildlife illegally taken from the wild for “a hobby that got out of control,” according to Moore.
Pennsylvania Game Commission Wildlife Conservation Officers today announced that, on Oct. 29, Moore pled guilty to 30 counts of illegal possession of various species ranging from blue jays to raccoons, from chipping sparrows to gray squirrels, from groundhogs to purple finches. As part of the plea agreement, charges against Moore for cruelty to animals were withdrawn. District Judge Thomas E. Olsen, of Tannersville, ordered Moore to pay $2,250 in fines, and $750 in reimbursement to the Pocono Wildlife Rehabilitation Center for expenses incurred treating the wildlife that survived.
Based on a tip from a confidential informant, on May 28, Game Commission WCOs Scott Malicky and Cory Bentzoni went to Moore’s home on Gravatts Way in Pocono Township to investigate alleged illegal possession of birds.
“When we arrived, we saw several cages and multiple bird traps on the front porch,” Malicky said. “Also visible from the front porch were several bird traps in the backyard.”
On May 29, after acquiring a search warrant, Malicky and Bentzoni returned to Moore’s home, along with Northeast Region Law Enforcement Supervisor Daniel Figured, Northeast Region Information and Education Supervisor Tim Conway and Deputy William McGlone. A search of the residence resulted in the seizing the following: 13 goldfinches; 11 pine siskins; seven house finches; five dark-eyed juncos; four purple finches; three blue jays; three gray squirrels; two groundhogs; two raccoons; two indigo buntings; one chipping sparrow; two black-capped chickadees; two rose-breasted grosbeaks; two cardinal; two brown-headed cowbird; two house sparrow; two mourning dove; and five others needing identification due to decomposition.
“The birds and mammals, as well as some of the enclosures, were transferred to the Pocono Wildlife Rehabilitation Center for care and housing,” WCO Malicky said. “Many of the birds required beak trimming, nail trimming and antibacterial medication in their drinking water, and one of the raccoons is suffering nutritional problems requiring dietary supplements. The cages needed cleaning and disinfection due to the improper care of the wildlife.”
Katherine Uhler, who runs Pocono Wildlife Rehabilitation Center and has many years of experience caring for sick and injured wildlife, stated that all of the birds were “underweight, suffering from neglect and had nutritional problems.” Since being housed at her facility, 20 of the birds have died due to the poor condition they were in when they arrived.
“It is Kathy Uhler’s expert opinion that the mammals and birds were neglected by not providing the proper care,” WCO Malicky said.