Nearly 700 reptiles killed in south Edmonton house fire: city
Hundreds of reptiles died after a fire at a south Edmonton home on Wednesday, Animal Care and Control officials said.
On Thursday, peace officers with Animal Care and Control obtained a search warrant to locate other animals in the damaged home located in the area of 20 Avenue and 112A Street.
According to Debi Winwood, city spokesperson, approximately 674 animals were located in the home and backyard, including small to medium-sized reptiles like bearded dragons, skinks, salamanders, frogs, snakes, and dozens of arachnids.
Forty unknown reptile eggs were also found dead, Winwood said. One animal was euthanized after a veterinarian assessed its injures.
Thirteen animals were found alive, including 10 tortoises and a gecko, by investigators and were taken to Animal Care and Control Centre for further care and evaluation.
"As this matter is currently under investigation through the provincial Animal Protection Act, we are not able to provide further details at this time," Winwood added.
Peter Daly, Edmonton Reptile and Amphibian Society president, was called to the scene by the city to assist.
He told CTV News that all the animals at the home were legal to own in Canada and posed no harm to people. According to Daly, the homeowner was not a hoarder but bred and sold reptiles.
Daly estimated there were dozens of animals that were killed in the fire. When they first arrived at the scene on Wednesday, firefighters estimated there were 1,000 reptiles in the home.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Joe Biden pardons his son Hunter Biden on gun, tax charges, despite previous promises he wouldn't
U.S. President Joe Biden announced Sunday that he pardoned his son Hunter Biden on gun, tax charges, despite previous promises that he would not do so.
Canada Post presents union with 'framework' to reach deal as strike continues
Canada Post has presented the union representing some 55,000 striking postal workers with a framework to reach negotiated agreements, the corporation said.
'Devastating': Missing Surrey, B.C. teen found dead, family says
The family of a missing 18-year-old, who was last seen in Surrey over a month ago, says there has been a tragic end to the search.
The best tips to prepare your car for the winter
Slippery or snow-covered roads, reduced visibility and bitter cold are all conditions that can make driving difficult and even dangerous during cold weather months. CAA spoke with CTV Morning Live this week on some of the best ways you can winterize your car.
PM Trudeau 'surprised' provinces unanimous on accelerated defence spending: Ford
Ontario Premier Doug Ford says his fellow provincial leaders are united in pushing for Canada to meet its NATO defence spending targets ahead of schedule, and that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was "surprised" to hear it.
Stellantis CEO resigns as carmaker sales continue to slump
Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares is stepping down after nearly four years in the top spot of the automaker, which owns car brands like Jeep, Citroën and Ram, amid an ongoing struggle with slumping sales.
'Wicked' star Marissa Bode speaks out against 'harmful' ableist comments made about her character
'Wicked' actress Marissa Bode posted a video on TikTok asking for kindness after receiving ableist comments on social media.
Poilievre calls for asylum seeker cap, border plan as U.S. tariff threat looms
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has demanded the federal government present a plan before Parliament to beef up border security as U.S. president-elect Donald Trump threatens to impose stiff tariffs on Canada.
Emergency crews battle large fire at Kitchener, Ont. townhouse complex
Waterloo Regional Police say Kingsway Drive will remain closed as emergency crews continue to battle a large blaze at a townhouse complex.