Cruel living conditions, no water for 151 reptiles
Llantwit Major, WA (UK)Incident Date: Tuesday, Aug 4, 2009
Charges: Felony CTA
Disposition: Convicted
Case Images: 2 files available
Defendant/Suspect: Ian Crosby
A man who sold tortoises over the internet was sentenced today for animal cruelty offences relating to 151 of the creatures.
Ian Crosby, 48, of Llantwit Major, south Wales, admitted seven charges under the Animal Welfare Act, which also related to five iguanas in his possession, the local authority prosecuting him said.
Crosby imported tortoises from Prague, in the Czech Republic, but one batch was suffering from herpes which spread among the other animals because of the environment they were kept in.
Council inspectors found tortoises clambering over each other to reach the heat from the one lamp in their pen
The charges also related to five iguanans in his possession
Inspectors from Vale of Glamorgan Council, which brought the court case against Crosby, also found tortoises clambering over each other to get to the heat from the one lamp that was turned on in their pen.
And the iguanas were found to be so close to the lamp in their vivarium they were at serious risk of suffering burns. They had no access to water either.
Crosby admitted allowing the animals to suffer unnecessarily and not taking reasonable steps to ensure their needs were met.
He also admitted failing to provide suitable environments for animals in his care.
Barry magistrates gave Crosby a four-month prison sentence, suspended for two years. He will be supervised for 12 months and must carry out 200 hours unpaid work.
He was also banned from keeping animals for five years.
A council spokeswoman said: 'In 2008, the Vale of Glamorgan Council received complaints over the health of animals Mr Crosby was selling via his internet business.
'The decision to prosecute Mr Crosby was made following a comprehensive investigation by licensing officers during which information was received from eminent veterinary practitioners who, due to the severity of this case, needed to seek permission from the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons to breach client confidentiality.
'This was a national case in which the council had to respond to complaints from all over the country.
'The council is pleased with the outcome of this case and the sentence imposed by the court reflects the seriousness of the charges brought against Mr Crosby.' References
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