Neglect of 9 exotic tortoises
Spring Lake, NJ (US)Incident Date: Friday, Jul 29, 2005
County: Monmouth
Disposition: Alleged
Alleged: Francesco Garcia
Authorities rescued nine exotic tortoises on July 29 from a Jersey Avenue back yard, and found two dead baby turtles there, officials said. Monmouth County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals law enforcement officers also rescued one box turtle from the scene, Capt. Victor Amato said.
Francesco Garcia of Jersey Avenue was issued summones for improper housing and failure to provide necessary food and shelter, Amato said.
Some of the tortoises were found in a 5-foot-wide, 2-foot-deep hole in the back yard. Other tortoises were found in a makeshift pen built on a concrete slab, with the animals surrounded by plywood and plastic sheets, Amato said.
Amato said the tortoises are African spur-high tortoises, which can weigh up to 100 pounds and have a life span of up to 100 years, Amato said.
"The turtles were dehydrated, and a few of the turtles were dead,'' Amato said. "There was definitely an odor. I'm surprised someone didn't call us earlier.''
The rescued tortoises were transported to the Mercer County Wildlife Reserve in Hopewell, Amato said.
The heaviest tortoises that was rescued weighs 65 pounds and is an albino, Amato said.
Owning such animals requires a permit, which Garcia didn't have, Amato said.
Additional summonses may be given to Garcia by the state Division of Fish, Game and Wildlife, which also responded to the scene, Amato said. References |
