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Michael Wilk - not again
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by ssshane on September 25, 2009
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journaltimes.com wrote:
RACINE - Eight months after authorities found over 100 reptiles and fish dead, sick or living in filthy conditions at a West Racine pet store, the former owner has been charged with 25 felony counts related to animal neglect.
Michael J. Wilk, 28, of Salem, is charged with nine counts of mistreatment of animals causing death and 16 counts of intentionally failing to provide water to an animal. If convicted he faces up to 43 years imprisonment.
Wilk owned Aquatic Oddities at 1302 Grange Ave. On Jan. 16, Racine police and city Health Department officials went to the store to follow up on information they were given about animals being sick and dead inside the store.
According to the criminal complaint, they found dead alligators, fish, snakes, lizards and turtles. Some animals were living in their shipping containers without food or water; others were in filthy tanks with no food or water.
Three electric eels were found to have open sores and were in such a poor state they had to be euthanized, the complaint says. An American alligator was found roaming the basement of the building, without access to food and water.
Wilk was arrested and initially held on a probation hold at the jail. At the time of his arrest, officials said it would take a while to sort out exactly what he should be charged with.
Most of the animals - which included snakes, tortoises and turtles, lizards, scorpions, bearded dragons, alligators and crocodiles - had to be transported and placed with animal rescue groups and specialists from Illinois. Those that survived were in critical condition, and several died after they were rescued, according to the criminal complaint.
Wilk voluntarily surrendered all of the animals at the time of his arrest. He told authorities he had owned Aquatic Oddities for two years.
Wilk was released from jail Wednesday on a $10,000 signature bond. He is due back in court for a preliminary hearing on Oct. 15.
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RE: Michael Wilk - not again
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by pictigaster1 on September 25, 2009
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The dude messed up bad but not 43 years worth .I do not know his situation yet do think punishment is in order.This country is obsessed with giveing time and filling our prisons.I think mandatory careing for shelter animals and other service oriented jobs would far better serve the public.To make the dude see what he has done and rehab him is a better action.This is the one time that I will sound liberal.He should stand in a very public place for several hours a week and wear a sign that says what he has done and have to explain his actions to any one who asks .He should never be allowed to own animals ever.
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RE: Michael Wilk - not again
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by Nakita on September 25, 2009
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Archie,
Recently you have made several posts or replies about irresponsible owners causing the demise of this hobby. This guy caused the suffering and death of animals that relied on him for their survival which I'd say is pretty irresponsible. I don't necessarily think he deserves a 43 year sentence but he deserves much more than your "slap on the wrist" suggestions.
Do you not think that the various animal rights and animal welfare groups can use this incident to bolster their claims that private ownership of these animals should be banned? I apologize in advance for coming off a bit strong but after seeing some of your more recent replies it boggles my mind that you think dude standing on a street corner with a sign stating his crimes is ample punishment.
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RE: Michael Wilk - not again
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by Cro on September 26, 2009
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Well, he has the right first name, but do you think he can throw a football ?
If he can, then give him 3 years in prison, and let some NFL team draft him, and pay him millions of dollars a year !
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RE: Michael Wilk - not again
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by pictigaster1 on September 26, 2009
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43 years is for killing humans not animals sorry.I also ment he should have to do these things for the rest of his life and do some jail time.43 years is ridiculous
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RE: Michael Wilk - not again
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by pictigaster1 on September 26, 2009
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Jackie you can bet your last nickel that this will be used as fuel to fight us.I am not going to condone this country giveing a man 43 years without further knowledge.You seem to think this is about the animals it is about govt.Mabie next time it will be 5 years for a dirty cage.For me tar and feathers would be a good answer.You see to the general public and animal rights he is us and I know it.. I said what I said to see your and others reaction to what I said.I am anti big goverment period it is not what our countrys constitution defines in our bill of rights.Do I think this dude is a scar you bet but no more than the idiot who sells a cobra to a 16 year old kid or the 35 year old who gets his atrox out when he is drunk to show off to his friends.You wanted a rant well this is a small one.I know what side of the issues I am on so do you.I do not want to see this be the defineing case that sets president on the old lady that has too many cats to care for.IM DONE.
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RE: Michael Wilk - not again
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by agkistrodude on September 26, 2009
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If you have to hit him with 43 years to be sure he serves 5, so be it.And killing animals isn't the case. Multiple cruelty, starvation, and animal torture charges deserves 43 if not more.
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RE: Michael Wilk - not again
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by Nakita on September 26, 2009
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Archie,
So your comments were a test to see how we would react? How did we do? Did we pass or fail?
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RE: Michael Wilk - not again
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by pictigaster1 on September 26, 2009
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EVERY ONE ALWAYS PASSES THAT IS WHY I LOVE THIS SITE.I am so glad that at least some people have an opinion on this.
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