LAKELAND - Inside Noah's Ark Exotic Pets, investigators say they found filthy conditions and dead animals. That's only part of the story.



At the Reptile Shack next door, owner Virginia Taylor told FOX 13 that none of this came as a surprise. She says her customers would even complain.



"A lot of them said [the animals] were out of water," said Taylor. "A lot of them said the cages were dirty or there was overcrowding of animals."



The power was shut off to Noah's Ark on August 25 because no one paid the bill. Dozens of reptiles, birds, and livestock suffered in the heat until they were rescued by Animal Control.



It was too late, though, for eight animals: Chickens, exotic birds, a duck, rabbit, and lizard all died.



"The power had been off for five days. It was hot inside ... 100 plus degrees," said Lt. Steven Horstman of Polk County Animal Control. "Very little food and water. Some animals had no food at all."



Animal Control officers say the owner of Noah's Ark, 27-year-old Diana Cabrera, told them she left someone else in charge while out of town, but knew the power was going to be cut off last week.



Reptile Shack employees said it usually appeared no one was taking care of the animals.



"Every time we'd go over there, there was no one ever there," said one Reptile Shack employee. "They were in there once or twice a week for a couple of hours."



The animals found alive, 53 in all, were taken in by Animal Control. Neighbors were glad to finally see them in good hands.



"When you don't have the knowledge on how to take care of them properly, you can't take care of them properly," said Taylor.



Investigators want to talk to the person Cabrera told them was left responsible for the animals. Charges in the case are pending.



Cabrera couldn't be reached for comment.

www.myfoxtampabay.com/dpp/news/local/polk/neighbors-complaints-about-lakeland-pet-store-090210

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