35 Reptiles Removed from Port Chester Home

A total of 35 reptiles - including turtles, bearded dragons, chameleons and leopard geckos - were removed from a Port Chester home this week after the SPCA of Westchester and local police said they determined the animals were not being cared for properly.

The Port Chester Police Department, responding to an anonymous complaint concerning dogs at 144 Smith St., found 20 dogs inside and outside of the residence. Reptile cages, stacked three high, were found on the front porch with several dead animals in the highest cages.

The Humane Law Enforcement (HLE) Unit of the SPCA of Westchester, which also worked on the investigation, discovered the owners of the Smith Street home are out of the country.

A veterinarian determined there was no cruelty involving the dogs who were being cared for by a family member. They were, however, not groomed and were infested with fleas. A notice to comply was issued.

The HLE Unit and SPCA staff transported the 35 reptiles to the SPCA in Briarcliff Manor. Reptile specialist Chris Cooper and several staff members from Teatown Lake Reservation in Ossining assisted the SPCA in treating the reptiles, setting up appropriate habitats and feeding them.

HLE is attempting to contact the owners of the reptiles and the case is still under investigation at this time.

Photos of some of the reptiles removed from a home on Smith Street in Port Chester. Photo credit: SPCA of Westchester