7 Sharks Seized From Pool In Dutchess County

LAGRANGEVILLE, NY — A search warrant executed by environmental conservation officers Aug. 23 at a residence in Lagrangeville, Dutchess County, netted — literally — seven live sharks. The officers were joined by state Department of Environmental Conservation Marine Resources personnel and staff from Wildlife Conservation Society’s New York Aquarium and the Long Island Aquarium at the home that was suspected to be harboring illegal wildlife.

What they found were seven live sandbar sharks, along with two dead leopard sharks and one dead hammerhead shark. (For more information on this and other neighborhood stories, subscribe to Patch to receive daily newsletters and breaking news alerts.)

According to a DEC spokesman, the live sharks were kept in a 15-foot above-ground pool in the basement of the home.

The sharks were easily caught and had blood drawn and were measured, tagged and transferred to a Long Island Aquarium box truck, which is outfitted with plastic tanks and oxygen and is climate-controlled.

A Wildlife Conservation Society veterinarian assessed the animals’ condition.

The sharks were escorted to the Long Island Aquarium in Riverhead for holding until the case is closed.

DEC officials said the incident is currently under investigation.

All photos credited to Department of Environmental Conservation.