A Ladysmith resident has pled guilty to animal cruelty charges and violating a Wildlife Act regulation after he was found in possession of 34 animals living in disturbing conditions.
According to a press release from the BC SPCA, constables removed 34 animals from Kramer Lowe’s property in January 2018, after receiving complaints of a large number of animals living in filthy and substandard conditions.
The animals found included cats, bearded dragons, boa constrictors, turtles, guinea pigs, and a number of small animals.
One of the animals was a reticulated python, which is listed in the province’s ‘Controlled Alien Species’ regulation, prohibiting the possession of an animal that poses a risk to the health and safety of people or the environment.
“The situation we encountered was very disturbing,” says Cst Tina Heary.
“There were rotting dead animals, extremely high levels of ammonia from urine, caked faeces, overcrowded cages, murky aquariums and reptiles kept in inadequate enclosures without proper heat sources. Many of the animals also lacked access to proper food or water.”
Lowe’s hearing is scheduled for November 2nd, and under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, faces a maximum fine of $75,000, up to two years in jail and a maximum lifetime ban on owning animals.
