The owner of a local exotic animal farm is facing more troubles after a recent conviction of unlawfully keeping native wildlife in captivity.

Nanda Guha, owner of Guhas Lions and Tigers in Utterson, pleaded guilty to unlawfully keeping two wild turkeys and two wolves without authorization under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, according to the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR).

At Bracebridge court on April 8, it was revealed that the MNR entered Guhas Lions and Tigers farm with a search warrant on Sept. 19, 2007, and removed a number of live game wildlife. Guha acquired and was keeping these animals without approval, court heard. On Oct. 5, 2007, a court in Huntsville granted the MNR permanent forfeiture of the wildlife.

The MNR reports that the wild turkeys were released and the wolves were placed with other animals at properly authorized facilities.

Justice of the Peace Sue Evans fined Guha $2,000, and sentenced him to a one-year probation. She also ordered Guha to repay $500 to the MNR to partially cover the cost of caring for the animals seized from his facility.

Guhas Lions and Tigers farm has come under significant scrutiny over the past year, and in particular after a jaguar escaped from its enclosure on Feb. 12. The 400-pound cat broke loose from its chain-like fence, and was eventually shot by Ontario Provincial Police, but not before it mauled a dog.

The incident prompted renewed calls for the adoption of a bylaw in Muskoka Lakes Township to regulate “backyard zoos” such as Guhas. After the February incident, Muskoka Lakes council has agreed to look into an exotic animal bylaw.

In March, the provincial government said it will follow through on a 2007 pledge to review its animal welfare legislation to regulate backyard zoos and get tough on abusers. Currently anyone in Ontario can own dangerous exotic animals such as lions or tigers and house them however they wish.