Brantford Couple Convicted of Animal Cruelty after Over 40 Snakes Found in Motel Room

BRANTFORD, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - March 17, 2014) - On 12 March, 2014, Guy Boisseault and Cynthia Csomos, of Brantford, Ontario, pleaded guilty to three counts of animal cruelty under the Ontario SPCA Act.

The charges included:

• Causing distress to an animal.
• Failing to provide adequate and appropriate water.
• Failing to provide care necessary for general welfare.

On August 15, 2013, Ontario SPCA Officers were contacted out of concern for a large deceased snake and several deceased rats at a residence in Brantford.

During the course of the investigation, Ontario SPCA Officers were called to assist the Brantford Police at a local motel, where several totes containing approximately 40 ball pythons ranging in size from 40 centimeters to 1.5 meters in length were discovered.

The snakes were removed by Ontario SPCA Officers and taken to a local exotic veterinarian for examination. Several of the snakes were found to be very dehydrated, as well as suffering from heat exhaustion and fatigue. The snakes were then transferred to the Brant County SPCA to be cared for.

Mr. Boisseault and Ms. Csomos did not appear for their court date and were given a guilty conviction. The couple received a total fine of $1,000 each and were ordered to pay $637.50 in restitution to the Brant County SPCA. They are prohibited from living with, caring for, or owning any animal for 10 years and need to inform the Ontario SPCA seven days before a change of address. Ontario SPCA Officers were given the right to inspect their property and residence to ensure order compliance.

"We would like to remind pet owners that the Brant County SPCA is available to assist with any situation or concern one might have involving the care of their pets," says Jennifer Bluhm, Senior Inspector.

For more information about the Brant SPCA visit www.brantcountyspca.com.

Humane Society:

The Brant County SPCA is affiliated with The Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Ontario SPCA): Protecting animals since 1873, the Ontario SPCA is a registered charity comprised of over 50 Communities relying primarily on donations to fund animal protection, care and rehabilitation; advocacy; and humane education. The Ontario SPCA Act mandates the Society to enforce animal cruelty laws and provides Society investigators with police powers to do so - making the Ontario SPCA unique among animal welfare organizations in the province.

The Ontario SPCA is affiliated with the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

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Brant County SPCA Charitable Registration # is 89836 9319 RR0001