North Carolina: Amanda Davis charged with Animal Cruelty after leaving her pet squirrel to cook inside hot car

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA -- A woman was arrested after leaving her pet squirrel in a hot car that reached temperatures over 100°F, according to Charlotte Mecklenburg Animal Care and Control.

The owner of the "Sugar Glider" flying squirrel, Amanda Davis, has been charged with ill treatment of animals.

Around 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 1,  Animal Care and Control responded to a call regarding an animal locked inside of a car at 302 Aiken Avenue. The Animal Care and Control officer was alerted to the animal being in the car around 1:15 p.m., and says that his office may have been notified as early as 12:00 p.m. that same day.

Police said Davis' roommate became concerned and called police after she saw Davis put the animal in her blue Honda Accord before leaving the house.

When officers arrived they found the a window cracked slightly and a cage covered in blankets in the backseat. 

The temperature inside the car was 114°F at the time, according to Animal Care and Control. No food or water were left with the animal.

Authorities removed the squirrel from the car just after 3:00 p.m. Davis arrived on scene about five minutes after the animal was taken out of the car. She told officers she had put it in the car around 1:00 p.m. and left.

She was arrested and charged, and Animal Care and Control took custody of the animal, telling Davis she could pick it up at a later date.

What?! She shouldn't get this poor squirrel back!

(Fox5 - May 3, 2018)

Alabama: Woman searching for her pet Serval after it escaped from her home

PELHAM, ALABAMA -- The owner of a domesticated African Serval, an exotic cat from sub-Saharran countries, has been looking for her pet since his escape on April 24th from the Chandalar area of Pelham.

In a Facebook post, Felicia Wilson, of Pelham, says the eight-month-old cat named Juno escaped out of her front door as her daughter was heading off to school.

Wilson says the cat "is not a wild animal" and is urging anyone who spots him to refrain from shooting.

It is legal to own African Servals in the state of Alabama.

"The police said if push comes to shove they will have no choice but to shoot him if they can't catch him," she wrote in a post, which has since been deleted.

Wilson says Juno will not hurt other animals or people, but he will run away if approached. Wilson believes a tranquilizer might need to be used to catch him, as Servals can run at speeds up to 45 miles per hour.

According to Pelham Police, Pelham Animal Control, Shelby Animal Control, and the Birmingham Zoo have been consulted in this case. Officers have extensively searched the area and placed devices throughout to safely capture Juno, but he has not yet been spotted.

Anyone who sees Juno is asked to contact Pelham Police at (205) 620-6550.

(abc3340 - May 3, 2018)

Texas: This ad listing a pet kangaroo for sale perfectly describes the issues owners of exotic pets face when that cute, cuddly baby animal begins turning into what they are -- a wild animal.

TEXAS -- This ad listing a pet kangaroo for sale perfectly describes the issues owners of exotic pets face when that cute, cuddly baby animal begins turning into what they are -- a wild animal.

I give her credit for being so honest in her ad - she lists a lot of details about this kangaroo's behavior - a lot of which will turn off potential buyers. She didn't lie and say he was a great pet, loved kids and that they were moving or something and that that's the only reason she's getting rid of him. Instead, she was honest - people need to know that these animals are not like having a dog or cat.

I am a bit concerned at her saying treat him like a human - remember the woman whose face was mauled off by her friend's chimpanzee? You can never forget that they're not just animals - but not really domesticated animals either. I'm glad her husband put his foot down and even she seems to accept that this growing kangaroo is too dangerous to be in a household with her young son.

Yes, children can be rough with pets. Children can even be bratty with them. But animals are like swimming pools to children -- an irresistible attraction. Far too often there are news stories where children wander outside and are attacked and killed by dogs that the parents say they 'warned' their child to stay away from. It's best to get rid of the potential problem now rather than wait until tragedy strikes. This child likes to rough-house with the kangaroo. The kangaroo, though, is maturing into an adult and likely sees this little boy as competition and someone to fight with. As it grows up, it'll likely challenge and attack anyone who doesn't let it do whatever it wants.

According to National Geographic:

The red kangaroo is the world's largest marsupial. Adult males can reach nearly six feet in height and weigh 200 pounds.

Red kangaroos hop along on their powerful hind legs and do so at great speed. A red kangaroo can reach speeds of over 35 miles an hour. Their bounding gait allows them to cover 25 feet in a single leap and to jump 6 feet high.

Male kangaroos are powerfully built. Like many species, male kangaroos sometimes fight over potential mates. They often lean back on their sturdy tail and “box” each other with their strong hind legs. Kangaroos can also bite and wield sharp claws, which they may do in battle with an enemy like a dingo.

⧪  ⧪  ⧪  ⧪  ⧪

Red Kangaroo Joey for sale
Title: Red Kangaroo Joey
Name: Kelly Torgerson
Date: 6/17/2017
Website: N/A
Phone: 2815085073
E-mail:
Location: Pearland

It is unfortunate, but I am going to have to sell my beloved Rocko. Rocko is an 18 month old Red Kangaroo Joey which I love very very much. He is a sweetie pie and like all juveniles, is spunky and wants to play, play, play. I have been doing my best to teach Rocko to not play with us (he can get a bit rough, but that is how kangaroos play), even going as far as getting him a punching bag and stand and a large stuffed animal to play with. He has been doing well and playing with those items when he gets in play mode, but my 4yr old just taunts him and instigates Rocko into playing with him instead. When Rocko stands upright, he is as big as my 4yr old. Combine play mode with Rockos sharp claws (vet said not to trim) & powerful legs, he hurts my 4yr old. My son just won't leave him alone despite Rocko's rough housing. My husband, who does not like to spend any money whatsoever refuses to put up a separate fence for either Rocko or our son so im left to make a decision that I do not want to make. Since I cannot get rid of the latter, it's Rocko that has to go.

Rocko has been with me since the day he was able to be taken from his biological moms pouch (7 months old) and from that day on, I became his surrogate mom, bottle feeding & carrying him everywhere with me in a pouch until he was too heavy to carry any longer. Even though he's at the weaning age, he still enjoys his bottle every day (hes down to only 1 bottle per day and its more of a treat/bonding thing, not as his main diet).

When not spunked up and wanting to play, he is very mellow and loving. He greets me every morning with a huge hug and kisses. It kills me to have to make this decision. It will take some time for him to adjust to a new home & mom as he sees me as his mom and he's just not going to understand when he is taken away by a new family. He will need some time to adjust and you will need to stick to the same regime as i have been doing to help him adjust. They are one owner animals and do not like crowds or meeting new people. He starts shaking in terror when he is forced to meet someone new (a friend visits, etc). I won't be able to say how he will act at first with a new family. He may be shy/scared at first or he may go all out into defense mode & throw a tantrum, so be patient with him & give him lots of love and alone time to adjust. No loud noises or other people around for a while until he is ready.

Rocko will need AT LEAST a half acre area with a MINIMUM of a 6 foot fence to roam. He loves to hop full speed around our yard so he needs plenty of space to get his exercise. He does well with our dog, cats & chicken but that is because he was raised with them. I cannot say how he will do with animals he has never met.

I have read that they do not like other animals (even other Roos) except for the ones they were raised with, but Rocko is still young so there's still plenty of time for adjustments to be made before he reaches adulthood (around 4 yrs old).

Rocko stays outside full time with access to our garage. If the weather gets really bad he is allowed inside the house and wears a diaper (large pull up with tail hole cut out). He sleeps in a dog bed with a stuffed toy which he likes to cuddle with.

Keep in mind that wherever Rocko is kept, you will no longer have beautiful flowers or plants growing (if applicable) as he nibbles at and eats flowers, leaves, grass.....they are purely herbivores. I planted Hibiscus and a vegetable garden in the yard just for Rocko to nibble on (no tomato plants as the stems & leaves are toxic to all animals, including humans). He also eats Kangaroo feed which the Steinhauser's in Alvin carries. He loves bread & crackers, etc (I will give you the full rundown of his care and likes - you won't have to worry, you won't be left guessing & you can always contact me with any questions/concerns on his care). I would also like to visit him from time to time.

I am deeply saddened on having to make such a decision. Rocko is my son and with him having to go, it will be like me losing a child. It hurts so much to even write this ad so please only SERIOUS INQUIRIES ONLY. Please do not contact me asking me why i am not turning him over to a rescue or sanctuary or bashing me for not doing so. If you read the ad fully, you will know that Roos do not do well with other roos unless they were raised by them. He needs a loving home with a family because he sees himself as a human. I am going to be very selective on where he goes, so please don't be offended if you are not chosen. Its just that i know Rockos personality and I know best on where/who he might be the best fit.

Please do your research on owning a kangaroo as a pet/family member before inquiring. Joeys are just like rambunctious toddlers & they get into EVERYTHING. i cannot even plant a tree without Rocko getting into the hole I'm digging and trying to eat the tree that i am trying to plant (& then digging up the tree after planting). If you have any garbage cans, small kennel enclosures, containers or barrels within reach of him, He will be inside them or have them knocked over and whatever is inside them will be all over the place.

Rocko is neutered and even though i can put a harness/leash on him, he Will not walk on one. It is just to keep him from getting scared & running off while not enclosed in yard. Gates must be LATCHED at all times as he is very curious as to what foliage is on the other side of the fence and will try to open the gates. He does not like water (on him) so he will need shelter from the elemets. He likes to dig holes so a sand box or something for him to dig in he would like.

I am asking $4k for him. He will come with his punching bag/stand, large stuffed animal that we hang from a tree for him to roughhouse with, large dog bed, small stuffed toy he sleeps with, harness/leash (even though he's almost outgrown them), couple of bottles, 2 special nipples/teats, his formula, kangaroo feed, something with my scent on it so you can have it around you while he is transitioning (he uses smell mostly to identify people). His vet is an exotic vet located in league city. He's never had the need to go yet since roos don't require shots, but i will give you the info in case the need to see a vet ever arises.

Please ensure your city or county ordinance allows kangaroos/marsupials before inquiring. Typically, roos are classified as livestock.

SERIOUS INQUIRIES ONLY!!

Located in Pearland, Texas.

Thanks to Zara Corsten-Ibarra for pointing out this ad.

Ohio: Video of kids playing with alligator, pythons at daycare prompts investigation

OHIO -- A video posted on a Ohio child care center’s website of kids playing with an alligator and a python has started an investigation into Captive Born Reptiles.

The ODA says the undocumented animals were brought to the daycare illegally.

 

According to a search warrant, ODA received a complaint of an alligator and a 12-foot constrictor snake being handled by children.

Terry Wilkins, the owner of the reptiles and Captive Born Reptiles, is known showing off his animals to local schools.

The Ohio Department of Agriculture took five rattlesnakes from Terry Wilkins’ home in the 300 block of Leaning Fence Court in Pickerington.

Six constrictors more than 12 feet in length were taken from Captive Born Reptiles on Morse Road.

In Ohio, snakes longer than 12 feet require a permit. Venomous snakes also require a permit. The state requires owners to show the animals are cared for, hold adequate liability insurance for venomous snakes and provide an action plan if the snake escapes.

Mark Bruce, communications director for the Ohio Department of Agriculture, said the seized snakes were not in good health. He said the agency is working with reptile experts at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium to provide care for the snakes, which were not kept at an adequate temperature and suffered from skin issues, including mites, officials said.

The snakes are being housed at a temporary facility in Reynoldsburg. If Wilkins does not get the snakes back after a hearing, they will be sent to a reptile sanctuary.

OBSTRUCTION
Authorities believe Wilkins took additional reptiles out of state to his pet store Newport, Kentucky.

A TV station in Cincinnati caught up Wilkins in Newport.

Wilkins claims the agents intentionally left 12 snakes in the recent freezing cold during the search warrant, resulting in their deaths, so he could not get a permit for the snakes.

As for the alligators, he says they were taken out of state “for their own safety.”

Wilkins will face a misdemeanor charge for each animal he has not registered.

TERRY WILKINS' FAMILY'S VERSION OF EVENTS
Keiko Wilkins at Captive Born Reptiles posted on Facebook January 25, 2017

Sorry for the delayed post but here is the video of the Captive Born Reptiles raid that occurred on January 17, 2017. Terry will be making a follow-up video to explain how the situation stands currently. I would like to restate that the Capital Area Humane Society, Ohio Department of Agriculture and the Fairfield County Humane Society have had over thirty people through the my family home and reptile store (Captive Born Reptiles). With over 500 animals within both of these locations, not one single citation has been given out for a sick animal, inhumane treatment of an animal or unsanitary conditions. Those thirty people including four vets spent over seventeen hours going through our property. One of the ODA’s vets, Dennis Summers did steal two anacondas from CBR. He is currently under investigation by the state inspector general.

  

 

(WNCN - January 27, 2017)

Nevada: Trisha Meyer, 34, found with numerous tigers and monkeys

NEVADA -- Sheriff's Office issues press release regarding arrest of Trisha Meyer

SUSPECT(S):
Trisha Meyer, Age 34, Address Pahrump Nevada 89048

CHARGE(S):
Arrested on Burglary/Theft Warrant, Harris County Texas

DETAILS:
On Nov 3 2016, a female identifying herself as Trisha Meyer called the Nye County Sheriff’s Office dispatch center requesting animal control contact her to provide information on obtaining a permit to possess tigers within Nye County's jurisdiction.

On Saturday, November 5 at approximately 1700 hrs. Las Vegas Animal Control advised Nye County Animal Control that Trisha Meyer was believed to be en-route to Pahrump Nevada with a U-Haul trailer possibly containing the illegal animals including three tigers.

It was also brought to the attention of Nye County Deputies that Trisha Meyer had a felony arrest warrant out of Harris County Texas.

At approximately 1700 hrs, Animal control officer met with Miss Myers in Pahrump and confirmed, at that time, she did not have any animals on the property.

Meyer was advised of the process for obtaining a "special conditions animal permit". Meyer states her animals were still currently in Texas. She was advised it would be illegal for them to be in Nye county prior to being permitted.

On Nov 7 2016, a citizen reported to the sheriff’s office that there were 3 tigers in the back yard of 1331 Manse Road.

On November 7, 2016 at approximately 1600 hrs. the Felony Warrant out of Harris County was confirmed by Nye County Sheriff’s Office Deputies.

Upon arriving at the 1331 Manse Road address to serve the Felony Warrant it was discovered by Nye County Animal Control and Nye County Deputies that there were three Tigers loose in the backyard of the property contained only buy a 4 foot field fence with a 17 year old juvenile in the back yard supervising the Tigers while they were feeding on raw chicken.

 

 

There were eight monkeys inside the residence none of which are regulated in Nye County requiring special permits.

When asked if those were the only animals on the property the property owner said yes.

Trisha Myers was arrested on the warrant and the three Tigers were taken into protective custody subject to the owners arrest and being a regulated species requiring proper permits in Nye County.

At no time was anyone attacked by the tigers and Nye County Sheriff's Office is not aware of any instance where the tigers were aggressive towards anyone.

The investigation relating to charges in Nye County is still being conducted and any charges will be done through the Nye County District Attorney’s Office when the investigation is completed.

Myers will be extradited to Harris County Texas following the traditional procedure.

(Nye County Sheriff's Office - Nov 14, 2016)

Texas officials locate loose 8 to 10 foot long King Cobra

TEXAS -- Law enforcement officers say they have located a missing King Cobra in a Texas neighborhood.

Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office said Wednesday afternoon that officials were searching for the snake, which is 8 to 10 feet long. Crews targeted an area off of Cloudt Road in Needville, southwest of Houston. Texas Game Wardens assisted in the search.

The sheriff's office said the school district and neighbors were advised.

The department later shared a humorous photo online of the sheriff searching for the snake - while he stood on top of a car in an elevated position.

The caption read, "We might get fired, but we just have to share this pic of Sheriff (Troy) Nehls looking for the snake in Needvile from an 'elevated' position!"

Shortly after 4 p.m., the sheriff's office notified residents the snake had been located in a Facebook posting.

The snake was found alive and has been captured.

According to National Geographic, a single king cobra bite is enough to kill 20 people or one elephant. They are generally shy and try to avoid humans but will become aggressive if cornered.

The king cobra is considered the world's longest venomous snake and can grow as long as about 18 feet.

(KLTV - Aug 24, 2016)

Nebraska: Grand Island Woman Debra Vesely Sues City, Animal Control Over Lemurs

NEBRASKA -- A Grand Island woman has filed a lawsuit against the city of Grand Island and the Central Nebraska Humane Society, saying that 10 lemurs were improperly taken from her in August 2015.

The lemurs were removed from the home of Debra K. Vesely, 4560 W. Highway 30.

The suit, filed in Hall County District Court, involves eight ring-tailed lemurs (six adult and two young ones) and two adult brown lemurs.

In the suit, Vesely says she was in possession of those lemurs on July 22, 2015, when she was contacted by a representative of the Central Nebraska Humane Society. She was informed that possession of such primates is prohibited within Grand Island’s city limits.

At that time, she says, she executed an agreement signed by the Humane Society representative indicating that Vesely would not dispose or otherwise transfer ownership of the animals until such time as an arrangement could be made to remove the animals from the city limits.

Vesely then made arrangements to move to 2805 S. Gunbarrel Road, which is outside the city limits. In that location, possession of lemurs is not prohibited, she wrote.

In August 2015, the day before she planned to move, representatives of the Humane Society, on behalf of the city of Grand Island, “came to my residence and removed the primates in question.”

In the suit, she notes that, at no time, did the city obtain an order from a “court of competent jurisdiction” transferring ownership of the animals to the city or to the Humane Society. She also says that she was not compensated for the animals.

Vesely, who is represented by James Truell, seeks special damages of $23,000, representing the value of the animals, together with pain and suffering in the amount of $50,000.

The Central Nebraska Humane Society did not return calls seeking comment.

City Attorney Jerry Janulewicz said the incidents alleged in the suit “occurred prior to my appointment as city attorney, and at this point, I haven’t had a chance to discuss the allegations with anyone.”

Janulewicz said he couldn’t discuss the suit.

(The Independent - July 9, 2016)

Earlier:

• Nebraska: Lemurs Among Exotic Animals Seized in Central Nebraska

Canada: Woman says she was misled by seller regarding care required for sugar gliders she purchased

CANADA -- A woman who bought two sugar gliders at K-Days regrets her decision after learning more about the exotic pets.

Cheryl Morin, 34, was with her family at K-Days on Saturday when she was drawn to the long, bushy tails and big, expressive eyes of the sugar gliders at a booth on the midway.

"It's so cute and it looks cuddly, I wanted one," Morin said.

The vendor, Sugar Bears, also known as Perfect Pocket Pets, was selling the tiny marsupials on the midway under a tent.

On Tuesday they were shut down after complaints were made. A K-Days spokesperson said it was closed because of the heat and the location.

After buying two sugar gliders for a total of $1,300, Morin said K-Days should have been concerned about the sales technique and lack of information provided when she was buying the animals.

"They bring out this really tame one that's up during the day and you think it's so neat and you can bring it to the beach or for a coffee, but it's not like that at all," she said.

"He didn't say I should go home and think about it. He said they're great: 'Look, I have one in my pocket.'"

She was given a CD with more information about her new pets. She listened to it on the way home, and her eyes grew as wide as those of the sugar gliders.

"That's when you start hearing about possible hypothermia if they're not kept warm. They say don't listen to the internet, because you can kill them if you feed them certain foods.

"Don't feed them bugs because they make them stink. They stink anyway. I'm listening and wondering what we're getting ourselves into."

She's named her new pets Dobby and Winkie, but says they're not much for cuddling at all.

She said they're noisy, and one of them is very aggressive, which leads to biting and quick movements to get away.

"I'm terrified. I don't want to touch them."

She now realizes the marsupials, which are native to Australia, will take a lot more research and patience.

For now, Morin's daughter Nichole, 16, is the only one who plays with them when the nocturnal animals wake up around 10 p.m.

Morin has emailed Sugar Bears about her concerns over the information given, but she hasn't heard back. On Wednesday, a representative contacted CBC News about allegations of misinformation.

Matt Grant, a regional representative for Sugar Bears, told CBC news this week that every potential customer is told to go home to do their due diligence before buying a pet.

Grant did not reply to questions about Morin's concerns Thursday.

Morin has been in touch with a sugar glider rescue organization, and said she'll have to pay $500 for more food and a bigger cage.

She says putting Dobby and Winkie up for adoption is an option, but she's hoping it doesn't come to that.

(CBA.ca - July 29, 2016)

Pennsylvania: Alligator, two emaciated dogs rescued from Chester home

PENNSYLVANIA -- Animal control officials from Delaware County are investigating an incident of alleged animal abuse involving a 4-foot alligator.

Officials responded Friday evening to a home on the 200 block of 21st Street in Chester after receiving a tip call.

Inside, they found an alligator in a basement bathtub filled with green slime.

They also found two dogs, one of which was found enclosed in a box, emaciated and dehydrated.

All of the animals are now under the care of a veterinarian at the Aardvark Animal Hospital.

"This is an unfortunate situation, and it's heartbreaking every time we respond to an animal that has been abused or neglected" said Russ "Wolf" Harper, Co-Founder and Humane Police Officer with Justice Rescue.

"No pet or animal should ever have to suffer, either cruelly at the hands of an abuser or just because an owner can no longer handle the responsibility."

There's no word yet on what charges, if any, the homeowner may face.

(6abc.com - June 5, 2016)

Ohio: Jennifer Toth pleads guilty to "attempted cruelty to animals" after leaving her pet lemur with an untreated broken leg

OHIO -- State of Ohio v. Jennifer Toth, a case prosecuted for the Cleveland Animal Protective League.

Toth was charged with one count of animal cruelty related to a Lemur named Nova that had an untreated broken leg. The leg was broken at the time Toth purchased the animal.

Toth pled to one count of attempted cruelty to animals. Toth agreed not to keep any more exotic animals is limited to two spayed/neutered dogs, two male guinea pigs, and a turtle for one and half years. There was no evidence that the non-exotic animals were not being cared for properly.

Additional provisions include payment of court costs, a $250 fine, and $1,109.90 in restitution, representing the cost of amputation of the lemur Nova’s leg.

Toth is subject to random inspections and must keep all animals in a humane, lawful, and sanitary manner. She faces 45 days in jail if she fails to comply.

Nova recovered and was sent to a lemur sanctuary.

(Holland & Muirden, Attorneys at Law - March 29, 2016)

Tennessee: Crystal Murray, 30, charged with something involving wildlife

TENNESSEE -- OK, this is an odd one. She has been charged with a "prohibited act" involving "exotic wildlife"... What does that mean? I couldn't find anything other than the booking/arrest information.

Name: Crystal Murray
DOB: 04/06/1985
Race: White
Sex: Female
Age at arrest: 30
Date of arrest: 03/18/2016
Arresting agency: Shelby County TN
Total Bond: $1,000
Charges:

• #1 DRIVING U/INFLUENCE INTOX/DRUGS
• #2 PROHIBITED ACT/EXOTIC WILDLIFE
• #3 IMPROPER LANE CHANGING

Michigan: Exotic animals case against Jessica Achberger, 40, and Troy Leiby, 40, bound over to circuit court

MICHIGAN -- Jessica Achberger, 40, and Troy Leiby, 40, were bound over to circuit court Wednesday afternoon after the conclusion of their preliminary examination in the case of exotic animals found at their Mottville Township home.

The preliminary examination began on Feb. 16, but was unable to be completed as an emergency hearing took place when Dr. Judilee Marrow from Binder Park Zoo requested permission from the court to euthanize the Bettong on Friday, Feb. 19.

Achberger and Leiby are facing three counts of animal torture; one count for the Bettong, one count for the Coatimundi and one count for the Macaque Monkey. Both are facing one count of obstruction of justice.

Judge Jeffrey Middleton presided over the preliminary examination.

*  Achberger’s count results from Jan. 28 after she wasn’t truthful with authorities about exotic animals being present in the home. Leiby’s count results from Jan. 20 when authorities were first called to the home and Leiby told them there were no exotic animals present.

Middleton said, “That [obstruction of justice] should be count one, it will be the most serious of charges.”

Achberger and Leiby also face one count of animal cruelty charges.

 

 

 

“This case does not hold a lot of jury appeal for the defendants, the jurors are going to hear this and their blood pressure is going to go up. There’s two sides to every story and we haven’t heard your side,” Middleton said.

Middleton continued, “These animals should not have been there in the first place. I don’t think you intentionally wanted to harm these animals; you got in over your head. You were trying to fit five pounds of sand in a one-pound bag.”

(Three Rivers News - March 3, 2016)

Earlier:

• Michigan: Exotic animals seized from home in deplorable condition; Jessica Achberger arrested

Michigan: Exotic animals seized from home in deplorable condition; Jessica Achberger arrested

"Upon entry, it was a very horrific scene," said Gregory Musser, the Animal Control supervisor with the St. Joseph County Sheriff's department. "The smells were unbearable."

MICHIGAN -- A Mottville couple is under arrest Thursday night for keeping exotic animals in their house.

 

Wallabies and flying squirrels are just two of the types of wild animals they were keeping illegally.

Authorities are working to remove the animals from the home, saying the conditions there are deplorable, and deputies are concerned about one animal in particular.

 

Wallabies, flying squirrels, exotic raccoons, and a monkey. Those are just some of the more than 20 animals kept at the Mottville home.

"I was in there one time, probably the first year they lived here. They had a giant cat, I think it was either from Africa or India," said neighbor Jerry Willings.

 

Jessica Achberger and her husband are facing charges of animal cruelty, and owning the exotic animals without permits.

Authorities went through the house Thursday, making the discoveries after a concerned neighbor called animal control.

They had seen the wallabies bouncing in the backyard. According to the St. Joseph County Sheriff's Department, the couple owned a pet store in Indiana, and that's where the animals came from.

 

"We were told by them they had to close their store, and that they were trying to keep all the animals here, and they intended to keep them for themselves as pets," said Josh Shook, with St. Joseph County Animal Control.

Deputies say the animals were living inside the house in deplorable conditions. Authorities tell us most of the critters seem to be in good health, expect for the monkey, which could be carrying diseases.

"We're concerned about its welfare, and the fact it hasn't had any medical attention in a very long time. Monkeys that aren't maintained properly can carry diseases harmful to humans," Shook said.

Authorities are working with local zoos to find the animals a temporary home.

The accused couple could be in front of a judge as soon as Friday.

(WWMT - Jan 28, 2016)

It looks as though Anna Morrow and Jessica Achberger had moved their pet store, Downunder Reef Pet Shop, from Granger, Indiana to nearby Elkhart, Indiana a few years back and mistakenly thought that because they had USDA licenses to breed and sell exotic animals that the USDA license would protect them from Elkhart local ordinances which prohibits the sale and ownership of exotic animals. Maybe they thought they could open the pet store in Michigan? Either way, it's way too many animals for just two people to care for properly.

Elkhart pet shop may violate exotic animal ordinance (Aug 4, 2013)
Anna Morrow said they were told that their USDA license overrules local ordinances, but according to a USDA official, that is not how the license works.

Tanya Espinosa, public affairs specialist for the USDA’s animal and plant health inspection service, confirmed that Downunder Reef does have a license to breed and sell exotics. However, people who hold USDA licenses must abide by state, county and city laws, Espinosa said.

 

Jonathan Long, deputy city attorney for Elkhart, also said there is no permit that allows pet shop owners or residents to sell or keep exotic animals in the city of Elkhart.

“It’s against city ordinance to harbor any exotic animals,” Long emphasized.

Exotic pet store owners say they are doing everything right (Aug 5, 2013)

A local publication has brought a new pet shop into question. Downunder Reef Pet Shop is new to Elkhart and concerns are being raised about if they're complying with city ordinances when it comes to the animals they house.

Owners Anna Morrow and Jessica Achberger say they are doing everything right to their knowledge. Downunder Reef is new to the area, but they aren't new to the business. 

 

"We're doing the same thing that we've done in the last two years, it's just in another city," says Morrow.

Questions have came up about if this new pet shop is complying with city codes on their animals, but these owners say they've met all city requirements. "Our ducks are in a row, we've always taken the provisions to making sure we have the licensing," says Achberger. 

FOX28 talked to the city's law office about this. They confirmed that the pet store has proper licenses for running a pet shop in Elkhart. Deputy city attorney Jonathan Long says, "Both the police department and the city are aware of the potential of exotic animals."

"We breed and sale savannah cats and Bengal cats and sugar gliders," says Achberger.