Riverfront Aquariums already faced multiple charges before seizure of 333 neglected animals

The manager of an aquarium where the Calgary Humane Society seized hundreds of neglectedexotic animals this week was already facing multiple charges related to previous alleged cases of animal mistreatment.

The 333 animals, including several species of snakes, lizards, amphibians, invertebrates and spiders, were seized on Wednesday.

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The animals were not being properly cared for, according to a spokesperson for the humane society.

Theywere taken from Riverfront Aquariums at 312 Meridian Road N.E.

The business is managed by Wayne Woo, who was already facing 16 charges related to animals seized from Riverfront Aquariums. The business itself also faces multiple charges.

Woo declined to comment about any of the allegations against him.

"I'd like to but on advice of the lawyers, I'm just following what they're telling me," he said.

Brad Nichols, the humane society's senior manager of animal cruelty investigations, saysit's public record that Riverfront Aquariums has been charged three times this year.

He said the alleged ongoing instances of animal neglect at the northeast Calgary business are disturbing.

"Most owners will learn something from having animals taken away from them, or being charged either criminally or under the Animal Protection Act. This is a demonstration that the lesson's not been learned," Nichols said.

The charges against Woo and the business are set for trials in the New Year, Nichols said.

There is a potential maximum fine of $20,000 for each neglected animal as well as a prohibition for owning or caring for animals for up to a lifetime.

The humane society's shelter's resources are stretched thin by the latest seizure.

"We have put the ask out for equipment and supplies and whatever donors are able to provide," Nichols said.