Reptile dealer gets probation in cruelty case

A central Ohio reptile dealer, known for helping zoo breeding programs and bringing turtles and snakes to area schools, was sentenced Monday to five years probation following his conviction a month ago on misdemeanor animal cruelty and other charges.

Almost two years ago, state officials seized several snakes from Terry Wilkins at his Captive Born Reptiles on Morse Road on the North Side, claiming he lacked required permits for keeping snakes longer than 12 feet and because they were in ill health. Wilkins was found guilty on two counts of cruelty to animals, two counts of failing to have proper signs posted and one count of not having a permit.

Before a state law was enacted in 2012, his exotic pet store also had alligators that were known to crawl under cages and around the shop.

Wilkins, a Pickerington resident, was one of several exotic-animal advocates who lobbied passionately against the state law to restrict ownership of some species following the 2011 escape of 56 wild animals from an animal sanctuary near Zanesville.

Isaac Rinsky, an assistant Columbus city prosecutor, asked that Wilkins be jailed for 30 days and that the store’s animals be confiscated.

Wilkins’ attorney, Frederick D. Benton, said that the harsh penalty the prosecution was seeking would effectively shut down his client’s business, and that the case was pursued in a “vindictive spirit.” After the proceeding, Benton told The Dispatch that his client was being targeted for his outspoken opposition to the exotic animal law.

Benton told Franklin County Municipal Court Judge Daniel Hawkins that Wilkins’ passion for the animals should not be confused with disrespect to the court. He noted that Wilkins maintained his innocence but had no outbursts throughout the 10-day trial.

“His advocacy, his anger, his frustration should not be a basis for this response,” Benton said.

Hawkins agreed that Wilkins would not be going to jail, noting that most animal cruelty cases involve injury or obvious neglect. This one, he said, did not.

Hawkins imposed a $500 fine and ordered random inspections by state and county animal control officers during the five years of probation. Two anacondas seized during the raid, along with six other snakes, were ordered forfeited to Columbus Humane.