Reptile Guy Rescue denies cruelty, but may quit the lizard rehab biz

Mike Hopcroftis thinking of giving up his life-long love of rescuing reptiles, after an SPCA raid.

Hopcroft, founder of Reptile Guy Rescue and Education Centre in Mission, B.C., was raidedby theB.C. SPCAwhich removed 14 reptiles, 46 rats and six dead animals from his centre on Dec. 2.

Hopcroftcalls the raid"harassment" and denies any allegations of cruelty to thereptiles or rats he breeds for feed. He says he tries to rehabilitate animals, not hurt them.

"[Animal welfare groups]would love it if wewere gone," Hopcroft told CBC on Sunday. "I'm starting to question if I want to do this anymore. It's just a constant uphill battle."

• Reptile Guy Rescue raided by SPCA in Mission, B.C.

"They've always had this thing out for reptiles," he added. "I love reptiles. I've always loved reptiles."

Hopcroft has more than 300 reptiles includinglizards and snakesat his rescue centre. He says he provides a valuable service in his efforts to rehabilitate animals that othersmistreat or tire of. He also hosts birthday parties and does class presentations.

Hopcroft said animal welfare organizations would be better off going after the "source," which he described aspet stores that breed orsell the animals, or provide poor care. He claims he's tipped off the B.C. SPCA to several shady vendors, but nothing was done.

"We've called theSPCAabout those stores, nothing happens. And then they are going to come after me," he said.

"They come in here and they tell us we have overcrowding and cages too small. What do they keep their cats in? What do they keep their dogs in?" said Hopcroft.

"Snakes are curled up most of the time," he added.

Hopcroft admits when he was a "young and stupid"teenagerhe did breed a few reptiles thinking he could make money, but soon realized he did not want to be part of a growingproblem.

Hopcroftsaidhe no longer breeds or sells reptiles, buthe has bought about 15 animals including a Green Tree Python fromRed Deer, Alberta, as a display animal.

"There's people on Facebook who say 'he takes in these rescues and breeds them and sells them'. We don't do that here." Hopcroftsaid. "It's very frustrating. It's taking its toll, I'm not going to lie."

Years ago Hopcroft said herescued a tortoise somebody had fastened a handle to, by drilling through its shell.

More recently he said he was given a bearded dragon by an SPCA volunteer who had rescued the lizard from a "crack addict."

SPCA officials said they inspected Hopcroft after a complaint about animals in distress.

The SPCA's MarcieMoriarty said animals were found suffering from dehydration, lack of access to water, lack of UV lighting, inadequate space and various veterinary treatment needs.

"Mr. Hopcraft could have easily rectified everything that was identified," said Moriarty. "These are concerns the SPCA have had before."