OPP investigating after alligator, large snakes found dead in Caledon ditch
Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) in Caledon are investigating after an alligator and five large exotic snakes were found dead in a ditch on Boxing Day.
In a tweet, the OPP said a passerby noticed the reptiles in a ditch at Escarpment Side Road and Horseshoe Hill Road in Caledon and alerted police.
No further details were immediately available.
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On Dec 26, a passerby reported to #CaledonOPP 1 alligator & approx 5 large exotic snakes deceased in a ditch at Escarpment & Horseshoe Hill in @YourCaledon. If you have any info about the incident, please contact police at 1-888-310-1122 or @PeelCrimeStopp at 1-800-222-8477 ^jb pic.twitter.com/6qPTE4nj0I
— OPP Central Region (@OPP_CR) December 28, 2021
“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 Toronto Zoo CEO Dolf DeJong, who added they are assisting the OPP in their investigation.
“(The Toronto Zoo) 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.
