A Texas woman has entered a guilty plea for smuggling a unique breed of poultry known as Dong Tao or dragon chickens from Vietnam and Cambodia into the United States. Identified as Jennifer Mayo from Aransas Pass, she was charged with the illegal act of importing 60 rare chicken eggs in August 2023 and attempting to incubate them at her home. Despite her claim that all the hatched chickens died, several were found still alive and were later euthanized due to health issues, as KSAT reports.
As per a press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, reported by Chron, the confiscated chicken breed is not only rare, but incredibly valuable, with individual birds fetching up to $2,000. The dragon chickens are distinguished by their unusually thick, red legs that bear a resemblance to serpent paws, and were historically kept for royalty. The U.S. prohibits poultry importation from countries like Vietnam, Cambodia, owing to the risks of pathogenic avian influenza or Newcastle disease – Mayo's smuggling effort being a direct violation of this federal rule.
Mayo's confession carries the possibility of a severe punishment, with potential repercussions including up to two decades in prison and a fine that could reach $250,000. With her sentencing scheduled for January 23, 2025, she is now awaiting the outcome of a case that highlights the serious implications of illegally importing livestock, including the potential spread of disease and the disruption of local ecosystems.
