Pet-Abuse.Com - Animal Abuse Case Details: Reptile warehouse - nearly 200 dead reptiles found, 2,500 rescued

Reptile warehouse - nearly 200 dead reptiles found, 2,500 rescued
Silver Spring, MD (US)

Incident Date: Wednesday, Jun 4, 2003
County: Montgomery
Local Map: available
Disposition: Convicted

Abuser/Suspect: Christopher Coroneos

Case Updates: 2 update(s) available

Case ID: 1564

Classification: Neglect / Abandonment

Animal: reptile

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A 12-inch python was found inside a business near a reptile warehouse, and six baby ball pythons and a dead scorpion were discovered in a parking lot. A business owner called in a complaint to the Montgomery County Animal Services Division, prompting Animal Services to obtain a search warrant and inspect the warehouse with officers from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Nearly 200 dead reptiles were found and about 2,500 were rescued, including approximately 1,000 baby ball pythons; more than 30 venomous vipers, king cobras and Gila monsters; an alligator; and a giant tortoise. Some 200 sickly reptiles were taken to a veterinarian, and the rest of the rescued creatures were sent to the Baltimore Zoo and the Catoctin Wildlife Preserve. An investigation was continuing.

Case Updates

He pleaded down from felony animal cruelty to misdemeanor animal neglect on two counts, so there was no trial. He was sentenced to one month in the county jail, 18 months probation, and $1000 fine for the animal cruelty. He received 12 months probation and a $1000 for the hand gun charge. However, he is still in the wholesale business with a new facility in Florida.

Update posted on Mar 22, 2005 - 8:42PM

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Officers from the Animal Services Division in Montgomery County, Md., are investigating the welfare of reptiles owned and housed inside a residence and trailer in the Chestnut Hills community of Silver Spring.

Police said a neighbor called them when he saw the front door of the house was left open. When police arrived, they said they found a crocodile and a large turtle inside that were not properly housed. Animal control officers then came with a search warrant to search the house.

Authorities said the residence belongs to 24-year-old Christopher Coroneos, the owner of Reptile Connection, who was charged with animal cruelty charges on June 23.

Animal control officers said they found dozens of the animals in bad shape and at least 50 dead.

Animal control officer Didi Clement told News4 reporter Carolyn Shively there was an odor coming from the dead animals and the animals that were removed from the house were "not in pristine condition as you would expect an expert to keep them."

Police said Coroneos drove up in a truck, and while officers were talking to him, his truck was searched. Officers said they found a loaded handgun inside the truck, and Coroneos was arrested.

Authorities said the sick animals were taken to veterinarians and the healthy ones to the Humane Society. Coroneos can apply to get the animals back, but if he doesn't get them, they will be put up for adoption.

Read more: Update posted on Sep 11, 2003 - 5:04PM

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References

	Washington Post
	Montgomery County Police Department - June 23, 2003

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Reptile warehouse - nearly 200 dead reptiles found, 2,500 rescuedSilver Spring, MD (US)

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Reptile warehouse - nearly 200 dead reptiles found, 2,500 rescued
Silver Spring, MD (US)