Missouri: Abandoned snake, iguana get warm-blooded attention from animal control officer

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MISSOURI -- Police calls always have the potential for an experience outside of the routine, and Animal Control Officer Glenn Palade had one of those calls on Wednesday.

The landlord at 309 Fourth Street in Monett investigated a vehicle left at one of his properties. Going inside the apartment, he found the place in disheveled condition, the renter absent, and two pets left behind.

The pets were also unusual -- a small python and an iguana.

Enter Palade, who removed the animals for better accommodations.

Monett Animal Control Officer Glenn Palade removed
a small python apparently abandoned in an apartment on
Wednesday. Murray Bishoff times-news@monett-times.com

The city's animal control vehicle does not have a dedicated section for reptiles, but Palade knew how to manage. The snake found shelter in a tied pillow case.

The disposition of the owner was not known at the time the animals came into the city's custody. A colleague of the landlord, who discovered the situation, speculated the animals had not been fed for some time.

Palade placed the snake in the cab of his truck to provide extra warmth while he figured out his next move.

The snake did not seem to mind the attention, he said.

Officer Scott Landreth issued orders to have the abandoned car, with temporary plates, towed from the premises if the owner did not move it in 96 hours.

(Monett Times - March 18, 2016)