The Reptile Guy could be in legal trouble after recently acquiring an alligator.
Mike Hopcraft was in the news on Dec. 21 for giving a new home to "Al" the alligator, whose owner was leaving the country.
It turned out "Al" was actually a female, who has since been renamed "Alice."
Hopcroft, who provides a shelter for reptiles, took Alice to his warehouse on Peardonville Road, but"less than 24 hours later they were blasting in here like I killed someone."
A conservation officer, accompanied by members of the Abbotsford Police, informed Hopcraft he is under investigation.
"I'm facing jail time and fines for the illegal transportation and possession of an American alligator."
Hopcraft said he spoke with the Ministry of Environment prior to acquiring the 200-plus pound gator, and believed he had verbal permission to go get it. He invited MOE officials to take part in the transfer, but they declined.
There is a permit process which includes submitting the size of the animal, along with photos and dimensions of its enclosure. However, Hopcraft said the MOE understood he was on a deadline. The former owner, David O'Hara, was leaving for Thailand.
"They knew this had to be done before Christmas," he said. "I'm hoping it's just a big misunderstanding and miscommunication."
The Abbotsford Police were in attendance only to keep the peace, deferring investigation of the matter to conservation authorities.
Ministry of Environment spokesman Robert Duffus said the Conservation Officer Service is conducting an investigation of the details surrounding Hopcraft’s acquisition of the alligator, including possession and transport of the animal.
He said an officer conducted an inspection of Hopcraft’s facility, and determined that public safety was not at risk as long as the containment measures in place at the time of the inspection remain in place.
"Mr. Hopcraft has submitted an application for possession of his controlled alien species which is currently being processed," Duffus added. "Mr. Hopcraft's permit application did not include an alligator. Mr. Hopcraft requires a permit for the alligator."
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