Edmonton ‘reptile mill’ fuels exotic pet concerns from animal advocacy group

Recent animal cruelty charges relating to the death of hundreds of reptiles and amphibians in Edmonton has one animal advocacy group calling for stricter regulations for breeders and importers of exotic pets.

Edmonton police revealed earlier this week more than 100 charges in relation to a November house fire where close to 700 reptiles and amphibians were found seriously neglected.

Police believe many had died prior to any effects of the fire.

BACKGROUND: Edmonton man faces cruelty charges after almost 700 reptiles, amphibians in home

“A lot of people are concerned about puppy mills, well this is a reptile mill,” said Michèle Hamers, the campaign manager at World Animal Protection (WAP).

The agency is glad to see animal cruelty charges extend beyond mammals to frogs, snakes and lizards. However they fear this tragedy was only possible thanks to a lack of regulations.

The 31-year-old accused was charged with 37 counts under the animal cruelty section of the Criminal Code of Canada, including willfully permitting unnecessary pain and suffering to an animal.

He was also charged with 89 counts under the Animal Protection Act of Alberta, including permitting an animal to be in distress, failing to ensure an animal has adequate food and water, and failing to provide an animal with adequate care.

“There is no reason why any individual should have 700 of any living species,” said Hamers.

While the City of Edmonton has a cap on the number of cats and dogs a person can own, they do not limit the number of other creatures.

Peter Daly, the president of Edmonton Reptile and Amphibian Society, believes the “number of animals involved in this case is not what should be the primary concern, it is the health and conditions they were kept under.”

Daly says it’s not uncommon for breeders or enthusiast to have hundreds of animals living in well maintained tanks and terrariums in their home.

As a professional biologist with knowledge of reptiles and amphibians, Daly was called by Edmonton Fire Rescue Services in November to help the surviving animals.

He says he did not go inside the house, but to his understanding there were baby tarantulas, small lizards and frogs as well as turtles involved.

He says the accused was a breeder and importer.

Edmonton police confirmed to CityNews the charges did not relate to any arachnids that may or may not have been on scene.

Daly says he personally believes federal and provincial regulations are enough, but the conversation should be more nuanced around enforcement.

For Hamers, she says WAP wishes no wild animals would be kept as pets, however, understands if jurisdictions do not agree.

“But at a minimum, there must minimum standards that must be met,” said Hamers.

When it comes to importing and breeding exotic animals, she says “right now, the industry is largely self-regulated, and it’s not working.”

—With files from The Canadian Press.