By Amy Judd / Global News

Owner of Revelstoke Petting Zoo charged with animal cruelty

Apr 6, 2018 | 10:49 AM

REVELSTOKE, B.C. — The owner of the Revelstoke Petting Zoo has been charged with animal cruelty.

James Richard Bruvall has been charged with 24 counts of animal cruelty under a combination of the Criminal Code and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.

The BC SPCA launched an investigation and special constables removed 15 animals, including one deceased pig, from the property during a warrant executed in July 2017.

Other animals found to be distressed included five horses, three pigs, two mini-horses, a lamb, an alpaca, a goat and a peacock.

The BC SPCA says animals were suffering from lack of adequate food, shelter and veterinary care.

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“We are very pleased that charges have been approved against Mr. Bruvall, as this is a very sad case where profits were clearly placed before the welfare of the animals in his care,” said Marcie Moriarty, chief prevention and enforcement officer for the BC SPCA. “This individual was running a petting zoo and trail riding company using compromised animals and allowing them to suffer.”

All of the animals, except for one, have been adopted into new homes.

“We are still looking for a home for the goat, but we are hopeful that a new guardian will be found soon,” said Moriarty.

If convicted, Bruvall faces a maximum sentence of up to five years in jail, a $75,000 fine and up to a lifetime ban on owning animals.