The Calgary Humane Society has seized 333 exotic animals from a northeast Calgary pet store whose owner previously faced three sets of charges relating to animals in distress.
Hundreds of snakes, lizards, amphibians, invertebrates and arachnids were seized from Riverfront Aquariums on Wednesday following a complaint from a member of the public.
The animals were in cramped, dirty conditions with inadequate access to fresh water and food, said Brad Nichols, senior manager of animal cruelty investigations. Many of them have medical issues, Nichols added.
Peace officers first visited Riverfront Aquariums — at 312 Meridian Road N.E. — in September 2014, where they found nine rabbits and a bearded dragon, all suffering from neglect. Some of the rabbits had to be euthanized. The following May, officers seized an iguana and chameleon in medical distress, and the next month seized four more animals. Last summer, store owner Wayne Woo was facing three sets of charges in connection to these incidents.
A person who answered the phone at Riverfront Aquariums confirmed the Humane Society seized the animals Wednesday, but declined to comment further.
In Nichols’ 10 years working with the Humane Society, he said he’s never seen a seizure of this magnitude.
“In volume as well as specific care needs . . . it’s the most significant seizure in our department’s history,” said Nichols.
“It’s amazing how well we come together in times of crisis — it went far smoother than I ever would have expected — but certainly when you add 333 animals to approximately 500 animals we already have in our shelter capacity and foster program, certainly there’s a need for further resources.”
The Humane Society is asking the public for help in donating supplies and money to take care of the animals. It’s looking for things such as clean terrariums and enclosures, shallow food and water dishes, humidity meters, crickets and cricket food.