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WITI (Milwaukee, Wisconsin) 18 May 10 Owner of animals seized by Milwaukee Police speaks out (Myra Sanchick)

Milwaukee: The owner of hundreds of reptiles seized by Milwaukee police in south side house last week speaks exclusively to FOX6.

In an email statement Terry Cullen says , "I've been trying to deal with this Machiavellian nightmare while out of town. I've been gravely ill, far from being on the run. I've been back in town with my attorney for the past two days engaged in the appropriate necessary and legal formalities. I am overwhelmingly concerned for the well being of our animals..."

Cullen says he is also very saddened at the loss of his two dogs, Pogo and Kong who were shot by police during the raid. Cullen goes on to say he's devoted his life conservation, and now his life is shattered.

Milwaukee Police say that the criminal matters in the case are currently under review and depositions are on the way.

Meanwhile FOX6 has learned that some of the animals are being shorted in a garage on S. 6th St. according to one source. At least one worker tells FOX 6 the animals are to starting to smell. City spokesman says they have an expert taking care of the animals.

The Racine Zoo says it has three crocodiles and a turtle.

Here's the entire statement from Terry Cullen:"I have been trying to deal with this Machiavellian nightmare while out of town and gravely ill. Far from "being on the run" I have been back in town with my attorneys for the past two days engaged in the appropriate, necessary legal formalities. I am overwhelmingly concerned for the well being of our animals; the terrible stresses that they have been subjected to and their transport to utterly unfamiliar surroundings. My heart truly breaks at the very thought of the loss of my best friends and loyal companions, Pogo and Kong, our two dogs. You have no concept of our pain at their loss. While the much of the media has vilified and excoriated me with inaccuracies, half-truths and shameful sensationalism, the truth lies far, far from their irresponsible, knee-jerk rantings. Jane and I have devoted our all to conservation. Our shattered lives and reputations have been our reward." Terry Cullen

http://www.fox6now.com/news/witi-100518-animal-houses-folo,0,6450177.story?track=rss



JOURNAL-SENTINEL (Milwaukee, Wisconsin) 18 May 10 Exotic animals found at third location (Ryan Haggerty)

The investigation into the people believed to be responsible for hundreds of reptiles found living in squalid conditions last week has spread to a third location in Milwaukee, a Milwaukee police spokeswoman said Tuesday.

Officers found an alligator and a snake Monday inside a house in the 3300 block of S. Kinnickinnic Ave., police spokeswoman Anne E. Schwartz said.

The alligator was frozen and the snake was dead, according to WTMJ-TV (Channel 4).

The house is listed in court records as the residence of Terry Cullen. Cullen has kept reptiles for years, has spoken at conventions for people who keep reptiles and has consulted with several local agencies that work with reptiles, including the Wisconsin Humane Society.

In a telephone interview Tuesday, Cullen said he has devoted his life to the conservation of reptiles.

"I have basically given my life to conservation, and I've been repaid with a shattered reputation and life," he said.

Cullen, 60, said he is in the Milwaukee area and is "engaging in all appropriate and necessary legal endeavors relating to this case."

Cullen has not been arrested, but police want to speak with him, Schwartz said.

Cullen's girlfriend, 50-year-old Jane E. Flint, was arrested May 12 on suspicion of mistreating animals and violating regulations regarding endangered or threatened species.She has not yet been charged.

The case began last week when officers investigating a sexual assault complaint found at least 250 animals at two south side addresses.

Police haven't identified the target of the assault investigation.

Dozens of animals, including anacondas, were found inside a house in the 3400 block of S. 17th St. Flint owns the house, according to Milwaukee property records.

Flint and Cullen are listed in tax records as running a nonprofit organization called Cullen Vivarium Wildlife Conservancy Inc. in a building at 2323 S. 13th St.

Police and officials from area zoos who searched that building last week found more than 200 animals, including at least 24 boa constrictors and more than a dozen crocodiles.

Hundreds of mice and rats blanketed the basement floor, and many of the animals - ranging from alligators to turtles - were unable to turn around because the containers in which they were kept were too small and filled with waste, according to an arrest report released last week.

Prosecutors could begin reviewing the case later this week, Milwaukee County Deputy District Attorney Kent Lovern said.

Three crocodiles and a 175-pound alligator snapping turtle are being housed temporarily at the Racine Zoo.

The rest of the animals are being kept in several locations that police have declined to identify.

Cullen said he was told most of the animals are being kept in unheated city garages. He said cold temperatures can harm the animals.

"To me, the utter cruelty is beyond belief," he said of the treatment of the animals since they were discovered.

Schwartz responded in a statement:

"Milwaukee Police, with the help of accredited animal experts, removed these animals from the deplorable conditions in which they were being kept. The animals are now being held safely and in healthy environments, which was not the case when they were discovered during the search warrants."

http://www.jsonline.com/news/milwaukee/94219339.html

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