(Photo courtesy of WWMT) John Wilkinson of Battle Creek, MI could be charged with improper care and abuse of animals after a raid on Wednesday morning, August 2^nd. Battle Creek City Police Officers, with the assistance of Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms officers raid houses on 178 and 82 Harris street, finding a menagerie of birds, exotic mammals and some of the deadliest snakes in the world. John Wilkinson owns the home on 182 Harris Street and his ex-wife lives in the home at 178 Harris.

City police Sgt. Jim Walters stated the living conditions for the animals were less than adequate, to the point that Animal Control Officers got involved. The seized animals were sent to Binder Park Zoo and a local animal shelter. The Michigan Society of Herpetologists took the dangerous snakes away. Wilkinson has not yet been charged as he was cooperating with Police, but police officials are seeking warrants for his arrest on two felony charges.

Since there are no laws in Michigan against possessing any of the animals found in the two homes, Sgt. Walters stated the charges would deal with the treatment of the animals. Snakes, rabbits, monkeys, dogs and chinchillas were among the animals removed from the home on Wednesday. On Thursday afternoon, police returned to take away the rest of the animals, including birds and rodents.

As the work continued Thursday, a woman who stated she was the daughter of the homeowner complained that her father had not been given a fair break by police. The woman got into a shouting match with Sgt. Mark Pierce, one of those working to remove the animals.

Staff veterinarians Dr. Tom deMarr and Jenny Barnett, the Director of Binder Park Zoo’s wildlife management went to the home to assist police. Greg Geise, President and Chief Executive Officer of the zoo stated that it was an incredibly dangerous situation. The zoo will keep the animals until the authorities tell them otherwise.

(Photo courtesy of Battle Creek Inquirer)

Among the animals seized were: 3 rubber boa snakes, 1 striped Kenyan sand boa, 1 red Kenyan sand boa, 1 blue-tongued skunk, 1 reticulated python, 2 aquariums filled with pygmy mice, 1 red-tail boa constrictor. 2 Capuchin monkeys, 2 Sphinx cats, 1 beagle, 1 Dachshund, 1 Chinese Crested dog, 2 gray chinchillas, 2 brown chinchillas, 1 albino ferret, 8 lion-mane rabbits, 2 Monaco cobras, 1 albino Monaco cobra, 3 spectacled coltras, 2 baby cobras, 1 Yugoslavian rattlesnake, 2 king cobras, 1 spitting cobra, 1 Egyptian cobra, 1 mangrove snake, 1 diamondback rattlesnake, 2 Formosan snakes, 1 coral cobra, 1 alligator snapping turtle, 1 fantail pigeons, 2 pigeons, 3 chicks, 2 quail land 12 assorted birds.

The poisonous snakes housed on an enclosed porch were among the most dangerous in the world, experts stated.

Spitting cobras can cause temporary blindness and can spit up to 6 feet with near-perfect accuracy, according to National Geographic Magazine. King cobras bear venom strong enough to kill an adult elephant, according to the Colorado Herpetological Society.

Update 9/12/06:

Both John & Cynthia Wilkinson have been charged with animal cruelty. John, age 55, was arrested on 3 counts of animal cruelty and Cynthia, age 52, on 2 counts. The charges are misdemeanors with a maximum penalty of 93 days in jail.

A forfeiture hearing will be held later this month to take the animals. Most of them were taken to the Calhoon County Anima Shelter and many placed in foster homes including the Binder Park Zoo. The snakes were turned over to the Michigan Society of Herpetologists.

The animals were seized when ATF agents were investigating a weapons case against John Wilkinson. To date the cost of caring for the animals by the city is about $10,000.

Update 11/30/06:

Dr. Jeff LaHuis, a veterinarian at the Dickman Road Animal Veterinary hospital did a necropsy on a rabbit that had died a few days after it was seized from the Wilkinsons. Dr. LaHuis testified in court that the rabbit died from starvation which he estimated started 3-4 weeks before the animals were seized.

Teresa Moran a snake expert from Lansing, who had taken temporary custody of the 16 snakes testified that they were living in cages and tanks that were too small, were dirty and lacking water.

Mitch Brynes, owner of Diamond Reptile Breeders in Bushnell, FL testified for the defense and stated he didn't see anything wrong. "All the snakes were fat and healthy". Brynes examined photographs from the day the animals were seized and further stated that the cages were not to small. he said "People think bigger is better", but the snakes feel more secure in smaller areas" He went on to say that snakes also defecate as a way to mark their territory as soon as cages are cleaned".

The trial before a 6 person jury will continue on December 1st.

Update 12/6/06:

(Photo courtesy of Trace Christenson, The Battle Creek Enquirer) A jury found the Wilkinson's not guilty of animal cruelty. The prosecution claimed that the animals ere not properly cared for, but the jury decided that the argument was subjective.

Update 12/21/06:

Earlier this month, a Calhoun County District Court jury acquitted the couple after a 4 day trial. Today District Judge Frank Line signed an order to return the animals to the Wilkinsons. All the animals must be returned by January 17th, 2007. 6-7 animals died since being seized. The jury decided that the argument that the animals were not properly cared for was subjective and thus the not guilty verdict.

Reference:

Battle Creek Inquirer

WWMT TV/DT