On January 23, the Nassau County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) requested New York State Environmental Conservation Officer (ECO) assistance with a subject hoarding more than 100 animals inside his North Bellmore residence in the Town of Hempstead in Nassau County, on Long Island.
ECO Lawrence Pabes responded and discovered the subject illegally in possession of several regulated species including an endangered tiger salamander, two monitor lizards (venomous reptiles), and protected diamondback terrapin.
According to Officer Pabes, the subject led him to a North American opossum caged in his bedroom, as well as other animals throughout the house, including prairie dogs, tarantulas, snakes, tortoises, chickens, domesticated ducks, a peacock, crayfish, and an African snail, in addition to numerous cats and dogs.
The Nassau County SPCA seized all unlawfully possessed animals and turned them over to licensed wildlife rehabilitators.
ECO Pabes issued the subject five tickets for illegal possession of endangered wildlife, illegal possession of protected wildlife, and illegal possession of dangerous wildlife, all returnable to Nassau County First District Court.
Read more wildlife rescues here.
