The Suffolk County SPCA is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the individual(s) responsible for owning and endangering the public with a Eurasian lynx, The Eurasian lynx was captured on July 29, 2022 by the Suffolk County Police after roaming the streets in Central Islip for three days.
Eurasian lynx, as Felidae, are among numerous dangerous animals listed in State environmental regulations. Possessing them is prohibited in New York State without a special license from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC). Releasing animals into the environment is also a violation of the law and can result in arrest and fines.
According to Article 26 of the NYS Agriculture and Markets Law, no person shall knowingly own, possess, harbor any wild animal capable of inflicting bodily harm upon a human being or failing to exercise due care in safeguarding the public.
If you spot a dangerous animal, please do not try to touch or handle it. Call professionals like NYSDEC or the Suffolk County SPCA who can handle these animals and get them to proper sanctuaries.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Suffolk County SPCA at 631-382-7722 or NYSDEC Police at 631-444-0250.