Dave Bethel, owner of the now defunct Reptile World was sentenced for three charges under the Alberta Animal Protection Act.
Bethel appeared in provincial court in Drumheller on Friday, October 23. He faced nine charges. He pleaded guilty to three charges under the Animal Protection Act.
Last February, officers from the Alberta SPCA seized reptiles and amphibians from the downtown Drumheller zoo. Some of the animals were in poor condition and were euthanized. The cost to deal with the animals was more than $14,000.
In August, a number those of crocodilians arrived in sanctuaries in the United States.
The Crown recommended a $5,000 fine, taking into account Bethel's financial situation. Bethel has filed for bankruptcy. The Crown also asked for a 10-year prohibition on owning reptiles.
The Crown submitted that Bethel did not act in bad faith and under the circumstances attempted to care for the animals.
Defense for Bethel, Hugh Sommerville told the court that reptiles were Bethel's life. He came to Drumheller 26 years ago and built, at one time, the largest collection of reptiles in Canada. He accepts he is guilty of the charges.
Judge Gashler imposed a fine of $2,000 in total for the three charges. He imposed a 10-year ban on having custody of reptiles, but that does not preclude him from working in the field. There was no restitution order.
