Revelstoke petting zoo owner accused of animal cruelty

The owner of the Revelstoke Petting Zoo has been charged with two dozen animal cruelty offenses.

Last July, the SPCA seized 15 animals from the zoo including seven horses, three pigs an alpaca and a peacock.

The agency claims the animals were inadequately fed and sheltered and lacked veterinary care.

The charges against James Richard Bruvall were laid under the Criminal Code and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.

“We are very pleased that charges have been approved against Mr. Bruvall as this is a very sad case where profits were clearly placed before the welfare of the animals in his care,” said Marcie Moriarty, chief prevention and enforcement officer for the BC SPCA.

“This individual was running a petting zoo and trail riding company using compromised animals and allowing them to suffer.”

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Bruvall is in custody pending a bail hearing scheduled for Tuesday.

New homes have been found for all the animals except a goat.