200 reptiles abandoned in home, 15 dead
Hesperia, CA (US)

Incident Date: Tuesday, Feb 5, 2008
County: San Bernardino

Disposition: Alleged

Abuser names unreleased

Authorities said hundreds of animals, including a coral snake and tortoises, were found in an abandoned Hesperia house.

Investigators said many of the animals were dead or starving. The animals included snakes, tortoises, gila monsters and frogs.

Authorities said the home was abandoned about four months ago after a foreclosure.

Joel Almquist of Forever Wild Exotic Animal Santuary took in about 200 snakes and lizards. He said one gila monster was among the 10 to 12 animals found dead at the house.

A second gila monster survived, but some animals had to be euthanized, Almquist said.

Tortoises and other animals were sheltered by animal control.

The owner of the home has not been located.

References

• KNBC - Feb 7, 2008

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