COLLIER COUNTY
A Collier County man has been arrested after authorities say he kept exotic animals as pets in violation of the Migratory Bird Act
Ariam Rodriguez Diaz, 30, faces a second-degree misdemeanor charge of animal possession, according to an arrest report from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
An FWC officer responded to a call from Collier County EMS and the Collier County Sheriff’s Office after they found two white-tailed deer at his home in the 2800 block of 38th Avenue Southeast in Collier County.
According to the arrest report, the two white deer were illegally transported across state lines from Ohio.
The area is just north of the Picayune Strand State Forest Campground.
In addition to the two deer, wildlife officials also found 15 migratory birds, including indigo buntings, pink-breasted buntings, cardinals and mockingbirds, in violation of the Migratory Bird Conservation Act.
Diaz is also charged with possession of two illegal bird traps.
Diaz told authorities that all the animals on the property belonged to him.
He is also accused of keeping Canadian geese without proper cage requirements.
Diaz was placed in the prison of Naples.
