Stories1 min(s) read
Published 14:13 01 Nov 2020 GMT
A man is suing an "exotic animal breeder" after paying $150 for a "full-contact experience" with a leopard that left him severely injured.
As reported by The Independent, Florida resident Dwight Turner paid $150 for a "full-contact experience" with the dangerous exotic animal, which belonged to "real estate investment expert and exotic animal breeder" Michael Poggi.
Local10 News reports that detectives from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FCW) say that Turner's scalp was left "hanging from his head and his right ear was torn in half" following the incident on August 31.
A report on the incident can be seen below:
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Turner, 50, had paid to visit the enclosure built behind Poggi's home on Earnest Boulevard, Davie, where he would be able to interact with the fully grown leopard, "play with it, rub its belly and take pictures."
However, FCW investigators claim that after Turner had entered the enclosure, he was attacked by the cat.
According to Turner's attorney, the mauling resulted in the victim spending a week in the emergency room and required multiple surgeries.
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Local10 News says they obtained an image of Turner following the incident, which shows his head and ear heavily bandaged.
Poggi has a (now-suspended) Facebook page and YouTube channel stating that he runs an animal sanctuary and is "dedicated to the care, feeding, breeding, and sale of exotic animals".
Authorities say that Poggi was later charged with allowing full contact with an extremely dangerous animal and was cited for maintaining captive wildlife in an unsafe condition.
The Independent reports that officials also added that he does have a license to have the leopard.
Mr Turner's lawyer adds that due to the fact that the whole experience provided by Poggi was illegal, and contract or waiver signed prior to meeting the leopard would be void.
Local10 News added: "Attempts to speak to Poggi at his home have been unsuccessful."
