Avoid Michael Thomas Lawton

[bcr229]

About time! I remember the uproar when he knowingly sold snakes with crypto 6-7 years back.


https://www.fox17online.com/news/loc...-from-his-home


Kent Co. man facing felony charge after 27 exotic animals were seized from his home


Authorities report at least 27 living animals and 10 dead snakes were taken out of a Gaines Twp. home in late October


KENT COUNTY, Mich. — The man at the center of an investigation into the alleged abuse of dozens of exotic animals has been criminally charged.


Michael Thomas Lawton is facing one felony count of cruelty to animals (10 or more, but less than 25).


If convicted, he could face up to four years in prison and a $5,000 fine.


... more + video at link

[BeansTheDerp]

That's so terrible of him, I'm glad he was caught. I feel bad for all those animals and the people who bought from him!

[Bogertophis]

That's just disgusting. Hoarding reptiles & not feeding or caring for them properly is just despicable. Then also selling them (sick & all)... I hope he does time, maybe then he'll learn to respect living creatures?

[BeansTheDerp]

Don't know if he will learn but maybe he will stop trying to keep them out of fear of more time in jail and a bigger fine. I honestly hope he gets both the fine and the time. I see that as murder, not just animal abuse but murder. Those snakes shouldn't have had to die just because of his ignorance and faults. It is sick!

[Armiyana]

I seriously cannot fathom how you let it get to the point where you have now one or two...but 10 or more dead animals at once...and the number of maggots in that one clip. it's been rough enough dealing with the drain and fungus gnats getting into my enclosures and breeding this year... actually like bottlefly maggots are just an entire new level of ick.

I've had some bad luck with things before or depression kept me from being on top of things as much as I try to be... But this is just a case of complete neglect and straight up abuse.
I felt terrible a few months back when I lost a baby snake and a tub of rats pinkies. To knowing just leave a whole collection to rot. Ugh. Yeah I hope he does time. At least this was actually caught by the law and got animal professionals involved. I wish that could have happened with Slither too. =\

[Malum Argenteum]

When the cops have to come out on a Sunday morning for a "child custody dispute", things are getting pretty bad. Sounds like the herps are just one aspect of a horrible situation.