Neglect- exotic reptiles, rabbit, quail
Buffalo, NY (US)Incident Date: Thursday, Sep 1, 2005
County: Erie
Disposition: Alleged
Case Images: 4 files available
Alleged: Paul F. Whalen, Jr
An anonymous animal cruelty call late afternoon, September 1, 2005, led to an SPCA investigation of an Alamo Place residence, where SPCA officials found numerous reptiles and other animals in near-starving conditions. Among the reptiles were a boa constrictor, a Savannah monitor, an iguana, and two geckos; other animals included a rabbit and a quail. The animals were seized by the SPCA this afternoon.
"By New York State law, our organization can seize animals without a warrant when the cruelty conditions are this extreme," says SPCA Senior Investigating Agent Michael Armatys. "We were admitted onto the premises by one of the residents, and once we saw the animals, there was no question that we were taking them."
SPCA Wildlife Administrator and veterinary technician Joel Thomas was also on the premises at the time of the investigation. "Just by appearance, before we even give these animals physicals, it's clear they've been served no food and given no water for an extended period of time,"
The animals were brought to the fully-equipped infirmary at the SPCA's Tonawanda shelter, where they will be provided with food, water, medical care, and continuous observation by veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and rehabilitators.
On September 12, 2005, Paul F. Whalen Jr., of Alamo Place in Buffalo, was charged by SPCA Senior Investigating Agent, Michael Armatys, with one count of animal cruelty, Section 353 of the New York State Agriculture and Markets Law, after leaving numerous reptiles and other animals in near-starving conditions.
Whalen is set to appear in Buffalo City Court Friday, September 16, at 9:30 am. The seized animals are in recovery in the SPCA's infirmary and Wildlife Department.
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