Ormond Beach, FL - An Ormond Beach man, 42-year-old
Christopher Haun, is one of nine arrested and charged with illegal baiting, taking and molestation of Florida black bears by the use of dogs for commercial purposes.
During the one-year long investigation, FWC officers gathered evidence of numerous illegal acts in several Florida counties on both private and public lands.
According to the investigation, the defendants lured black bears by placing drums of dog food, doughnuts, pastries and peanut butter in various areas throughout Florida, including Volusia and Flagler counties. The defendants then used large packs of dogs to chase and maul the black bears, according to Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi.
After some of the attacks, the defendants posted numerous videos of the acts on Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat. None of the individuals involved tried to call off the dogs or stop the attack on the bears. The Office of Statewide Prosecution obtained warrants for the social media accounts where the defendants posted videos of the attacks.
Haun is charged with Conspiracy to Commit Racketeering, First Degree Felony, Animal Fighting or Baiting, a Third Degree Felony, Littering, a Third Degree Felony and Unlawful Taking of a Black Bear, which is a Second Degree Misdemeanor.
