The lawyer of B.C.’s “The Reptile Guy” has publically refuted the multiple charges laid against his client in early July.
An investigation led by the BC SPCA resulted in two counts of animal cruelty and one count of violating the Veterinarians Act against Michael Hopcraft from Mission, B.C.
Hopcraft was first investigated by the BC SPCA after a video was posted online showing the reptile enthusiast performing a procedure on a large python.
However, Hopcraft's lawyer claims the investigation was another attempt by the organization to slander his client in the court of public opinion.
"Contrary to what the BCSPCA has alleged, this procedure did not cause the python any harm, pain, nor discomfort," reads attorney Jason Tarnow's media release.
"In fact, the python was relieved of a 6-month build up of excrement in its bowel track, which was surely causing it incredible discomfort."
The BC SPCA asserts Hopcraft is not a licensed veterinarian, and shouldn't have been performing the procedure personally, particularly without any painkillers.
Hopcraft's lawyer claims numerous veterinarians have denounced the charges and that the python is alive and well today.
In 2015, authorities did seize dozens of reptiles from Hopcraft's care that were allegedly in distress from a rescue facility he was operating at the time.
