13 exotic reptiles seized
Bear, DE (US)

Incident Date: Wednesday, Oct 20, 2004
County: New Castle

Disposition: Alleged

Alleged: Paul M. Valenti

Thirteen exotic reptiles -- including a 9-foot boa constrictor and four alligators -- have been confiscated from a Bear home. The Delaware Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals removed the animals Wenesday afternoon.

SPCA Director John Caldwell says animal control workers went to the house in response to a request from the Department of Agriculture.

In the basement, they found boas, pygmy rattlesnakes, pythons, lizards and the alligators.

Caldwell says all the animals were well maintained. But it's illegal to keep exotic reptiles in Delaware, and New Castle County doesn't give permits for their ownership.

Caldwell says the house owner -- 23-year-old Paul Valenti -- also had a snapping turtle and other small animals that were not confiscated.

References

• NBC10 - Oct 21, 2004

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