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40+ Exotic Animals Rescued

Incident Date:
12/11/2019
Location:
Houston, TX - USA
Facility Name:
Private Residence
Facility Type:
Exotic Pet (E)
Incident Category:
Abandoned animal (AA)
Species:
Reptiles
Animal:
Chinchillas, Hedgehogs, Ferrets, Sugar Gliders, and Fish
Animal disposition:
Removed/Re-housed

Summary:

More than 40 animals, mostly exotic pets, were removed from a Houston, Texas apartment complex.
On Wednesday, deputies removed the animals from an apartment complex located in Chimney Rock after the tenants left the pets behind.

Deputies say a corn snake, a Tokay gecko, two chinchillas, three hedgehogs and 26 fish were rescued. Nine of the pets, including a chameleon, a ferret and five sugar gliders, were found dead.

Action take by Born Free USA:

Notes:

"It's a crime in Texas for anyone to abandon their pets, even in the case of an eviction," said Harris County Precinct 5 Constable Ted Heap. "I'm just glad that a majority of these animals were rescued before it was too late." Deputies identified the owners and will turn over the investigation to the Harris County District Attorney's Office.