WAWARSING – A Wawarsing man arrested earlier this month by the Ulster County SPCA now faces additional charges from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation for illegal commercialization of wildlife, a felony.

Juan “Victor” Caniglia of 18 Foordmore Road was arraigned in Town of Wawarsing court on December 18 and charged with 78 original misdemeanors by the Ulster County SPCA for failure to provide sustenance under state Agriculture and Markets Law. 

On December 4, SPCA investigators confiscated over seven dozen birds from a small shed on Caniglia’s property including macaws, cockatiels, and two wild birds; a female cardinal and a tufted titmouse. Three rabbits were also seized based upon their poor health.

DEC Environmental Conservation officers alleged that Caniglia offered for sale and had in his possession with intent to sell, protected wildlife with a value of over $1,500 without have the proper license or permit from the state.

Caniglia also did not possess a valid breeder’s license. 

Ulster SPCA Executive Director Brian Shapiro said his agency is “very pleased with the DEC’s diligence.” He said all of those birds were kept in “filthy conditions to begin with and selling wildlife illegally only adds to the seriousness of these charges.”

Caniglia pled not guilty and an appearance in Town of Wawarsing court was scheduled for January 15.