THUNDER BAY – A local business owner and several associates are facing multiple animal cruelty charges.
Over the last two months, the Ontario SPCA laid charges against individuals linked to Thunder Bay Reptiles and seized several animals that were found in immediate distress, according to a statement posted on the Thunder Bay and District Humane Society Facebook page.
On June 18, five people were charged under the Ontario SPCA Act with four counts each of causing distress to animals, four counts each of permitting distress to animals and 15 counts of noncompliance of standards of care. A sixth person is facing one count each of causing distress to animals, permitting distress to animals and four counts of standards of care.
The same five people were charged in May under the Criminal Code with wilfully causing unnecessary suffering to animals and wilfully neglecting or failing to provide suitable and adequate care for animals.
According to the statement, humane society agents executed a warrant in March after receiving information from eyewitnesses concerned about the well-being of animals in the residence.
The investigation led to one caiman, two alligator snapping turtles, six ferrets, four rabbits, one carpet python, one red-eared slider turtle and three ducklings being removed to receive care and medical attention.
It’s also alleged that several other animals, including a pot-bellied pig, tortoises, turtles, snakes, lizards and birds, were relocated from the property without the authorization of investigating agents.
The statement said there are outstanding orders issued to improve living conditions and general welfare of remaining animals in the accused’s care.
