Numerous Guns Seized In Listowel Amid High Levels Of Ammonia – OSPCA & Fire Department Involved

(MUNICIPALITY OF NORTH PERTH, ON) – On Wednesday, November 4, 2015 members of the Perth County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and the Perth County OPP Crime Unit executed a Public Safety Warrant at an Elma Street West residence in Listowel as a result of an investigation.

While executing the warrant numerous firearms were found and seized. Officers were unable to enter certain areas of the home due to high levels of Ammonia fumes. The North Perth Fire Department was called to the scene and determined that a safety issue existed and specific personal safety equipment was required. (The Ammonia appears to have been caused by numerous feral cats that were kept in the home).

Police kept continuity of the residence until Thursday November 5, 2015 when OPP HAZMAT technicians and members of the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA) were able to enter with the proper equipment. A large number of cats were removed from the home and the search for the firearms was completed. The North Perth Fire Department stood by as a safety precaution.

The two males who reside at the home, 69-year-old Douglas BALLAGH and 60-year-old Ralph Roger BALLAGH have both been charged with “careless storage of firearm”, contrary to the Criminal Code of Canada. They are to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Listowel on December 16, 2015, to answer to this charge.

Any person with information regarding this investigation or any other crime is requested to contact the Perth County OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), and you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000

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