In desperate need of help (stolen BP)

[tazzshedevil]

I had someone babysitting my royal python and he sold it on me. He claimed it died but I found out that he sold it to his family member. I have seen him with my own eyes and identified him by a scar of a bite mark from a nasty mouse. My children and I are heart broken. Are there legal rights of ownership in Kingston Ont. If so how do I go about getting him back??????

[Will0W783]

I have no idea how those things work in Canada, but I know in the US you would take him to small claims court. Do you have any pictures of the snake from when you owned him that show the scar and other identifying marks. I am so sorry- that is absolutely awful that your "friend" did this to you.

[infernalis]

I would file a police report of theft and see where it goes.

I know that when I am working with other peoples snakes, and death occurs, I freeze the carcass and offer to give it back as proof, or drape the lifeless snake over a railing and take pictures.

Its a rough situation.

[emseeKAY]

this is directly from the Criminal Code of Canada, i use this site frequently as a law student it should help you somewhat

PART IX -- OFFENCES AGAINST RIGHTS OF PROPERTY

Search around the internet for records of cases similar which can give you some sort of precedence (i.e. any cases pertaining to the theft of animals, even if the animal was a dog, cat, elephant, whatever).

FILE A POLICE REPORT, theft is theft, although it is hard to track animals, be sure to have photos and/or descriptive documents and dates, names etc. anything that will help prove you purchased the animal and it was taken from you without consent and sold for a profit.

Good Luck! i hope all goes well! i would be very upset if i lost any of my animals because someone wanted a quick buck...

[Lankyrob]

Cant offer advice but will offer my sympathies - that is one awful situation to be in. I hope it works out for you.

[infernalis]

I'd go postal...

[tazzshedevil]

Thank you so much for the comments so far.