FL Man Pays For 'Full Contact' Leopard Experience, Gets Mauled

BROWARD COUNTY, FL — A Florida man was mauled by a black leopard after paying for a "full contact" experience with the cat in Broward County, officials said.

The owner of the leopard was licensed to possess exotic cats and took payment in exchange for face time with the cat, according to an incident report from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

When the man entered the leopard's enclosure, he was bitten and left with substantial injuries, according to the report. The owner of the leopard was cited for allowing full contact with a dangerous animal and creating a dangerous situation resulting in injury to a member of the public.

The incident took place on Earnest Boulevard on Aug. 31. The victim, Dwight Turner, was allowed into the leopard's enclosure to “play with it, rub its belly and take pictures,” according to Local 10 News.

The news outlet reported the leopard belongs to Michael Poggi, whose Facebook states he states he is an exotic animal breeder with over 35 years’ experience rescuing exotic animals.

Turner, 50, paid $150 for the experience, according to 10 News. He was left with serious damage to his scalp and ear.