May 4, 2005. For immediate release. Crown Counsel has approved charges of animal cruelty against Thomas Peters, owner of the Pet Habitat store in Brentwood Mall in Burnaby. BC SPCA animal protection officers have responded to nearly 80 complaints from the public about the Burnaby pet store during the past five years.
"The primary concerns have been lack of proper veterinary care for sick or injured animals and filthy or substandard housing conditions," says BC SPCA Senior Animal Protection Officer Eileen Drever. "We have responded to frequent complaints at the store and after each visit the situation improves for a brief time but the animals are soon subjected again to the same conditions."
Recently, SPCA animal cruelty officers discovered an Airedale puppy at the store in thin body condition with its ribs visible, lethargic and depressed, with laboured breathing. An order was issued to seek immediate veterinary care. At that time birds were also observed with overgrown twisted nails, and cages were dirty and overcrowded. Smaller animals in the store were also inadequately housed. "During another recent inspection of the store SPCA officers found a bird with a broken leg," says Drever. "Unfortunately, the Airedale puppy and the injured bird were subsequently euthanized." The SPCA forwarded a recommendation to Crown Counsel that Mr. Peters be charged with animal cruelty with regard to these recent incidents.
This latest criminal charge is part of an on-going campaign by the BC SPCA to ensure that BC pet store owners treat animals humanely. "Unfortunately there are some pet store owners who view animals solely as commodities for profit and the animals are subjected to severe neglect and housing conditions that do not meet either their physical or emotional needs," says Drever. Under the BC Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, SPCA officers have the right to inspect facilities where animals are exhibited or sold. "We urge people to call their local SPCA immediately if they have any concerns about the conditions in a pet store."
Drever says people should also be vigilant in ensuring that dogs they are purchasing from a pet store do not originate from a puppy mill and that other animals in the store have not come from unscrupulous breeders. "Legitimate pet stores will be able to provide full details about where their animals come from," says Drever. In the case of dogs, buyers should insist on details about the animal's bloodlines, their full veterinarian records and litter registration numbers. "Unfortunately, it really is a matter of 'buyer beware'," says Drever. "If people feel uncomfortable about what they see or experience in a pet store, they should contact us immediately so that we can investigate the situation."
If convicted of animal cruelty, Pet Habitat owner Thomas Peters faces up to six months in jail, a maximum $2,000 fine and a prohibition on owning or keeping animals.
Further information:
Eileen Drever, BC SPCA Senior Animal Protection Officer; (604) 834-7854;
Lorie Chortyk, Community Relations Manager, BC SPCA:
(604) 647-1316, 1-800-665-1868, or 830-7179 (cell);
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