Welcome to the interactive web schedule for the 2017 SEAFWA Conference! For tips on how to navigate this site, visit the "Helpful Info" section. To return to the SEAFWA website, go to: www.seafwa.org/conference/overview
Note: Session titles beginning with an asterisk (*) have student presenters.
AUTHORS: Timothy Fox, Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division
ABSTRACT: The Motion Picture Tax Incentive Act provided tax incentives for film production companies in Louisiana. Seemingly overnight production companies flocked to the bayou state to take advantage of the diverse opportunities and abundant production value. Many productions were filmed in wild areas, often requiring dangerous animals to be relocated temporarily for the safety of the crew. In other incidents, the animals themselves played equally significant roles as did the humans. _x000D_ While the majority of production crews and staffs were in compliance with applicable laws, some were not. Animal legislation even changed to accommodate the film production. Furthermore, the frenzied intrigue created by the hit productions gave birth to an obsession with interacting with the more obscure animals made more popular by the shows. LDWF offices received increased non-typical animal calls resulting in enforcement actions as time progressed. Complaints of people illegally taking or possessing snakes, alligators, primates, etc. increased (case studies will detail several). In addition to enforcing permitting statutes, agents’ investigations start to uncover more sinister crimes related to mistreatment of animals used as entertainment props. _x000D_ A case study showing a detailed investigation into the violations and heinous criminal history of a couple who travelled the southeastern portion of the country mistreating animals, endangering humans, and breaking multiple laws in attempts to ascertain monetary gain. This case study will show how the different divisions of this conservation agency worked cohesively to effect the outcome of the involved animals and likely prevented further injustice to both animals and humans alike.
Monday October 30, 2017 4:00pm - 4:45pm EDT
Wilkinson