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Montana Man Sentenced for Illegal Breeding of Hybrid Sheep
A federal judge in the United States has sentenced Arthur “Jack” Schubarth, an 81-year-old resident of Montana, to six months in prison along with fines exceeding $24,000. Schubarth was found guilty of illegally breeding and selling enormous Frankensheep clones to big game preserves. According to a statement from the Department of Justice released on September 30, he not only breached two felonies under the Lacey Act—legislation aimed at curbing wildlife trafficking—but also contravened international agreements designed to protect native species from invasive threats.
[Related:[Related:[Related:[Related:Illegal Cloning of Frankensheep Hybrids for Sport Hunting in Montana.]
The Scheme Behind the Breeding Operation
Court documents reveal that Schubarth and a group of at least five accomplices began their illicit activities in 2013 by acquiring parts from deceased male Marco Polo argali sheep (Ovis ammon polii) sourced from Kyrgyzstan. Over eight years, they successfully transported genetic material from this largest sheep species to a laboratory with the intent to create cloned embryos. These embryos were then implanted into ewes belonging to various illegal breeds, resulting in numerous hybrid offspring. Tragically, during this period, two sheep succumbed to Johne’s disease—a contagious ailment that can spread directly between animals or through contaminated environments.
The Birth of “Montana Mountain King”
Ultimately, one ewe gave birth to a purebred Marco Polo argali named “Montana Mountain King,” or MMK. This remarkable specimen was bred further with additional ewes producing even larger big game sheep than typical Marco Polo males—which already weigh over 300 pounds and stand nearly four feet tall at the shoulder with horns extending beyond five feet wide. Additionally, MMK’s semen was marketed across state lines; hybrids containing just 25% Marco Polo argali DNA sold for as much as $15,000 each while offspring produced by MMK’s son fetched around $10,000 per animal.
The Impact on Wildlife Conservation Efforts
“Schubarth’s actions posed significant risks to Montana’s native wildlife solely for financial gain,” stated Todd Kimm, Assistant Attorney General for DOJ’s Environmental and Natural Resources Division. He emphasized that such violations could have dire consequences for local wild animal populations.
A Reflection on Choices Made
In a letter accompanying his sentencing memo submitted earlier this week—reported by Associated Press—Schubarth expressed regret: “I allowed my passion for breeding exceptional sheep cloud my judgment and sought loopholes within legal frameworks.” He added that while his family had never faced financial hardship before this incident, they are now struggling financially.
Status of Seized Animals and Future Prosecutions
When queried about potential charges against those who purchased Schubarth’s Frankensheep clones or semen via email communication with Popular Science , a DOJ representative stated they do not comment on ongoing investigations but confirmed that Montana Mountain King is currently under the care of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services (FWS). Popular Science has reached out to FWS regarding MMK’s future disposition.
The post Montana Man Sentenced for Illegal Breeding of Giant Sheep Hybrids Receives Six-Month Prison Term appeared first on Popular Science.
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