NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

EDMONTON HUMANE SOCIETY CHARGES PET STORE OWNER WITH ANIMAL ABANDONMENT
Charges follow seizure of large number of animals that took place in February 2018

EDMONTON, AB (August 27, 2018) – On Thursday, August 23, the Edmonton Humane Society’s (EHS) Animal Protection Department laid charges in relation to a seizure of a large number of animals from a pet store located in West Edmonton Mall, which took place earlier this year.

Minchaw Menan TOM of Sherwood Park is charged with one count of abandoning animals under section 4.1 of the  Animal Protection Act (APA), and one count of permitting or causing an animal to be in distress under section 2.1 of the APA.

“This was one of the largest seizures our Animal Protection Officers have conducted,” said Dan Fryer, Director of Animal Health at the Edmonton Humane Society. “Our Officers worked diligently on this investigation, which was unique in that it involved a pet store and a large number and variety of animals, and we are pleased that they have been able to proceed with charges.”

EHS Animal Protection Officers seized the animals on February 27 after receiving a concern they had been abandoned. The animals included small mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, arachnids and fish. Most of them were adopted at the ‘Clear Our Shelter’ event hosted by EHS in March, which garnered tremendous interest and support from the community.

The maximum penalty if found guilty under the Animal Protection Act is a $20,000 fine or a lifetime prohibition from owning animals. TOM is expected to appear in court this fall. More details surrounding the investigation will become public when the case is presented in court.

Edmonton Humane Society relies on the public to be their eyes and ears. If you have first-hand knowledge of animals being neglected or abandoned within the City of Edmonton, please contact the Edmonton Humane Society’s Animal Protection Services at 780-491-3517. The key step in this process is someone coming forward with first-hand knowledge.

 As a leader in the advancement of animal welfare, the Edmonton Humane Society enriches the lives of people and companion animals through animal sheltering, programs and services, and community engagement. For more information, visit https://www.edmontonhumanesociety.com/.

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