$5K Reward For Arrest Of Long Island Lynx's Owner: Suffolk SPCA

CENTRAL ISLIP, NY — People with information that could lead to the arrest and conviction of the owner of a Eurasian lynx that got loose and roamed the streets of Central Islip for three days are being asked to step up. And not for free, either.

A $5,000 reward was put up by the Suffolk County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) for anyone who can provide information that leads to an arrest of the animal's owner, Suffolk SPCA Chief Roy Gross announced Thursday.

The lynx was captured on July 29 by Suffolk police after a few days of being on the streets. The lynx was "endangering the public," says the Suffolk SPCA.

Police worked with Strong Island Animal Rescue to capture the lynx, said Frank Floridia, president of the rescue.

The lynx was safely taken to Sweetbriar Nature Center in Smithtown, Floridia said.

Eurasian lynx, as Felidae, are among numerous dangerous animals listed in New York state environmental regulations, according to the SPCA. People can not possess a Eurasian lynx in New York without a special license from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC). Releasing animals into the environment is also a violation of the law and can result in arrest and fines.

According to Article 26 of the NYS Agriculture and Markets Law, no person shall knowingly own, possess, or harbor any wild animal capable of inflicting bodily harm upon a human or failing to exercise due care in safeguarding the public.

"If you spot a dangerous animal, please do not try to touch or handle it," the Suffolk SPCA said. "Call professionals like NYSDEC or the Suffolk County SPCA who can handle these animals and get them to proper sanctuaries."

Anyone with information was asked to call the Suffolk County SPCA at 631-382-7722 or NYSDEC Police at 631-444-0250.

Patch's Maureen Mullarkey contributed to this report.