Alligator, several exotic snakes found dead in Caledon ditch

NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE
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CALEDON — On Dec. 26, 2021, officers from the Caledon Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a possible animal cruelty call in the area of Escarpment Side Road and Horseshow Hill Road in the Town of Caledon.  

Upon arrival, officers located deceased reptiles in a ditch, including an alligator and approximately five large exotic snakes.

The investigation is ongoing. 

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Caledon OPP at 905-584-2241 or toll-free at 1-888-310-1122.  

You can also provide information anonymously by contacting Peel Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.peelcrimestroppers.ca. When you contact Crime Stoppers, you stay anonymous, you never have to testify, and you could receive a cash reward of up to $2,000 upon an arrest.

"Unfortunately, this is not a unique situation in Ontario. Many individuals are operating non-accredited roadside zoos or have exotic animals in private ownership", said Dolf DeJong, CEO Toronto Zoo.

"Your Toronto Zoo is proud to be providing expert assistance to the Caledon OPP in their ongoing investigation and strongly condemns the actions taken and complete disregard for the lives of these reptiles. We continue to work with the provincial and federal governments to ensure strong regulations are put in place to prevent the private ownership of exotic and endangered animals or the housing of these animals in roadside zoos," he added.

Animal welfare is regulated in Ontario under the Provincial Animal Welfare Services (PAWS) Act. Visit https://www.ontario.ca/page/animal-welfare for more information including offences and penalties.

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