2 people convicted of animal cruelty after 40 pythons found in Brantford motel

BRANTFORD, Ont. – A man and a woman who were charged last year after about 40 pythons were found at a Brantford, Ont., motel have been found guilty of animal cruelty.

Guy Boisseault and Cynthia Csomos of Brantford were convicted of causing distress to an animal, failing to provide adequate water, and failing to provide necessary care.

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Boisseault and Csomos did not appear for their court date last week and were fined $1,000 each and ordered to pay $637.50 in restitution to the Brant County SPCA.

SPCA officers were called to assist Brantford police last Aug. 15 when several totes containing ball pythons were discovered at the Bell City Motel.

The snakes ranged in size from 40 centimetres to 1 1/2 metres in length and several were very dehydrated, and suffering from heat exhaustion and fatigue.

Boisseault and Csomos are prohibited from living with, caring for, or owning any animal for 10 years and are required to inform the Ontario SPCA seven days before a change of address.

Owning a python is illegal in Brantford as it contravenes the local animal control bylaw.