WJAR (Cranston, Rhode Island) 03 October 13 Snakes, reptiles removed from Warwick apartment (Tony Gugliotta)
Warwick, R.I.: More than a dozen reptiles and snakes, including a 3-foot long alligator, were removed from an apartment in Warwick on Thursday.
"They actually passed a new law this year dealing with adequate living conditions for animal requiring enough space for the animal to maintain normal posture, comfortable rest, range of movement. Clearly was not the case here," said Joe Warzycha of the Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Residents of the Four Seasons Apartments complex said the tenants of the apartment loved the animals, but just did not have the space or means to care for them.
"They were always caged. I just didn't know some of them were illegal," said neighbor Shawn Horta.
Some of the animals were illegal because of the dangers they pose in a residential environment.
The alligator, named Chompy, will grow to almost 10 feet long. The snakes confiscated could grow even bigger than that.
The RISPCA turned the animals over to experts at Pure Paradise Pets in Johnston.
"Helping the reptiles and the animals and educating the people in the process is pretty much where it's at," said Domenic Parisella of Pure Paradise Pets.
Almost all of the animals will need some care.
The alligator has an injured foot, and some of the snakes were malnourished.
"Our first concern is for the well-being of the animals and the best thing to do is to get them out of there as quickly as we could, get them to an environment where they can be cared for and get the necessary attention," Warzycha said.
Because of an agreement with the owner of the animals that he would turn them over willingly, no charges will be filed.
Link