Animal Care Officers rescue 87 animals from distressed conditions

September 2, 2025 On August 20, the City of Edmonton’s Animal Protection Act Unit executed a search warrant, rescuing 87 animals (83 snakes, one leopard gecko, one tarantula and two cats) from a home in Edmonton. The investigation is ongoing and will determine potential charges under the Animal Protection Act.

Over 80 per cent of the snakes were determined to be emaciated and in poor health, with the majority requiring medical treatment. Many snakes were dehydrated, several required fluids immediately, and a few were found to have respiratory and bacterial diseases. “The conditions of the animals were deeply concerning,” said Emma Fillion, Sergeant, Animal Protection Act Unit. “Our teams at the Animal Care and Control Centre (ACCC) are working tirelessly to provide the animals with the care they need, including food, housing and medical treatment." The Animal Care and Control Centre’s medical team examined each of the animals. Most of the snakes received a score of 1 or 2 out of 9 on the body condition scale, where 1 indicates emaciation and 9 indicates severe obesity. Following the seizure, the medical team carefully assessed each reptile, ensuring proper medical treatment and compassionate care. Each reptile has been provided with appropriate housing, food and medication along with ongoing monitoring. Generally, animals brought into the ACCC are nursed back to good health and may be connected with animal rescue organizations and associations to help them find a new home. As this is an active investigation, no further details can be provided at this time. “While we understand more people have been adopting reptiles as pets, we want to remind owners that exotic pets require specialized care, depending on the species and breed,” said JongHwan Rhee, Superintendent, Animal Control and Animal Protection Peace Officers. “It is imperative to provide adequately sized housing with ongoing monitoring of temperature, UV requirements and humidity. For exotic pets, understanding their unique diet, specialized veterinary care, and vitamin and mineral supplementation requirements is vital for their welfare.” The City of Edmonton takes animal welfare issues seriously. A portion of the City’s Pet Licensing fee revenue subsidizes costs for rescuing and treating neglected and abandoned animals in Edmonton. The Animal Protection Act Unit has seen a rise in complaints concerning abandoned, neglected and general animal welfare over the past few years. In 2024, the team investigated 1,920 complaints and conducted more than 2,500 follow-up inspections to ensure animals were receiving adequate care. To report an animal in distress, contact 311 and an Animal Control Peace Officer will investigate the issue.