NEW YORK (PIX11) – A Long Island man is facing 30 violations for illegally hoarding exotic animals, according to officials.
Federal, state and local authorities raided his North Bellmore home Tuesday and found 100 animals crammed in his basement and backyard. They include a South American ostrich, prairie dogs, an endangered tiger salamander and an Asian water monitor, officials said.
Illegal wildlife trade is one of the largest criminal enterprises after drugs and weapon trafficking, according to anthrozoologist and executive director of Humane Long Island John Di Leonardo.
"Hoarding giant birds, prairie dogs, and endangered species in a cramped basement or backyard shed is cruel, and keeping them in cages next to their natural predators can cause them extreme stress," he said.
The investigation into the man began when someone attending the Bellmore Street Festival noticed an unlicensed exhibitor showing off the animals back in October, according to officials.
Humane Long Island is caring for the animals. Many of the birds found at the home will be transported to a rescue facility in North Carolina.
Erin Pflaumer is a digital content producer from Long Island who has covered both local and national news since 2018. She joined PIX11 in 2023. See more of her work here.
Article From:
pix11.com
English (US) ·