Hundreds of Snakes & Rats Seized From Upstate New York Apartment

There are many responsible pet owners throughout the Capital Region, but one in Warren County has been arrested for having hundreds of snakes and rats in their apartment.

More than one hundred and twenty exotic snakes and close to one thousand rats were recently rescued from a Queensbury apartment, and now these animals require new homes.

According to News Channel 13, the snakes, which include boas, pythons, and corn snakes, were being bred for sale. The rats were meant to be food, but many of them grew too large to serve that purpose.

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The SPCA said the animals were being kept in dirty cages, and many were found dehydrated and malnourished. They were also dealing with mites, which meant extra hands-on care was needed to nurse them back to health.

In New York State, it’s legal to own most non-venomous snakes and small animals like rats, but you must follow proper care and housing laws.

Animals have to be kept in sanitary conditions with adequate food and water. If they’re being bred or sold, licensing and inspections may be required. In this case, authorities stepped in because the animals weren’t being treated humanely.

Now that the animals are healthier, the SPCA is looking for long-term placements. They’re working with zoos, aquariums, and businesses, and may also adopt out individual snakes to responsible owners who can show they know how to properly care for them.

It’s a wild story, and a reminder that while owning exotic pets may be legal, it’s also a serious responsibility.