Local News in Brief : Stuffed Animals Seized
More than 30 stuffed animals, many on the endangered species list, were seized by state and federal officials Thursday during a raid on a North Hollywood furniture and prop store.
The seizure of the animals, which included a 9-foot-tall grizzly bear, a caribou, an otter and various migratory birds, was the largest ever involving the city attorney’s office, Deputy City Atty. Steve Tekosky said.
Thirteen officers from the state Department of Fish and Game and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service converged on Arte de Mexico, seven furniture and prop warehouses containing thousands of Southwest-style artifacts, such as bleached steer skulls, wagon wheels, Mexican wrought iron and decorative pottery, that are sold to movie studios and interior decorators.
The business’ owner, Jerry Stoffers, said he was “absolutely unaware that it was against the law” to sell or rent the stuffed animals.
Stoffers was served with a search warrant, but no charges have been filed, Tekosky said.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
