In the News

"Snakes Alive! 36 snakes rounded up in apartment"

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OSHAWA -- If you think a slithering, fork-tongued companion makes a perfect pet, better check the City's bylaws before bringing one home.

On Feb. 19, City officials seized an astounding 36 snakes from a Mary Street apartment, all of which were prohibited species under Oshawa's Responsible Pet Owners bylaw. Acting on a tip from a concerned resident, animal services staff obtained a search warrant and found 33 pythons and three boa constrictors living in the home.

The serpents range in length from two to seven feet and have an estimated value in the tens of thousands of dollars.

"We've had snake complaints before, but in my time working here, I've never seen anything like this," said Animal Services Manager Kathy Duncan.

The animal services team brought in reptile experts to help them remove the snakes, which are now being temporarily housed by a contractor.

Ms. Duncan said they will be pressing charges against the owner, which could include fines up to $5,000 for each count. It will be up to the courts to decide whether the snakes are returned or turned over to animal services.

But if they are given back, they won't be allowed to stay in Oshawa.

The City's pet bylaw allows some types of snakes to be kept as pets -- namely those that aren't dangerous. Unlike cats and dogs, there is no limit on the number of snakes that can be kept as pets in Oshawa, as long as they're permitted species.

"Pythons and boas like the ones we found aren't venomous, but they are constrictors," Ms. Duncan said. "That means they can wrap around you and squeeze you."

Other banned snakes included rattlesnakes and cobras. The fact that they can't be kept as pets in Oshawa means they can't be sold here, either.

But that doesn't stop neighbouring municipalities with different bylaws from selling them and Ms. Duncan said it's also common for people to buy snakes online.

In addition to certain snakes, Oshawa's pet bylaw prohibits a wide range of other "exotic" animals, ranging from monkeys and pigs to spiders and crocodiles. Cows, elephants and giraffes are also not allowed.

"People should research the municipal bylaws where they live, before they make a significant investment in pets like this," Ms. Duncan said, noting one of the seized snakes was purchased for about $3,500.

For more information on Oshawa's pet bylaw, visit www.oshawa.ca