Exotic animal hoarder sentenced - Ames Tribune

Exotic animal hoarder sentenced - Ames Tribune


Exotic animal hoarder sentenced - Ames Tribune

Posted: 12 Dec 2019 07:37 PM PST

An Ames resident was sentenced to probation, a mental health evaluation and fines in connection to "one of the worst" local hoarding cases in August.

Schyler Defreece, 21, was the owner of over 100 exotic animals, which included birds, snakes, rats, reptiles and fish. She plead guilty to the charge of animal neglect on Dec. 2, Story County Attorney Jessica Reynolds said.

Defreece was formally charged on Nov. 12 by the Ames Police Department, according to Ames Police Sgt. Jason Tuttle. She was not arrested, but cited to appear in court on Dec. 2.

On Aug. 13, authorities responded to a call on the 600 block of Billy Sunday Road about a terrible smell coming from an apartment unit. When animal control arrived they found more than 100 different animals ranging from geckos to cockatiels.

"(To see the apartment) was pretty hard and emotionally challenging for all of us," said Ron Edwards, director of the Ames Animal Shelter and Animal Control. He added that, in his 34-year career, it was one of the worst cases he'd ever seen.

After rummaging through the apartment unit, animal control found 43 animals that were still alive and transported them to Ames Animal Shelter. Of the 43 animals recovered from the apartment, one hamster died while in their possession.

"It was pretty tough, but I'm glad we were able to save every animal that we could," Edwards said. "We did the best that we could, and I'm really proud of my team."

Some of the animals found in the worst conditions were transported Oaks Veterinary Clinic in Des Moines.

Over 60 animals were found dead in cages, drawers, under beds and "anywhere imaginable," Edwards said.

It was found that there was not an adequate amount of food or water for the animals, which resulted in them eating carcasses, the Tribune previously reported.

More than 40 exotic pets rescued from apartment complex in SW Houston - KTRK-TV

Posted: 13 Dec 2019 10:02 AM PST

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- More than 40 animals, mostly exotic pets, were removed from a southwest Houston apartment complex.

On Wednesday, deputies removed the animals from an apartment located in the 8900 block of Chimney Rock after the tenants left the pets behind.


SEE MORE: 45 dogs and cats rescued from deplorable conditions in Spring Branch

Deputies say a corn snake, a Tokay gecko, two chinchillas, three hedgehogs and 26 fish were rescued. Nine of the pets, including a chameleon, a ferret and five sugar gliders, were found dead.

"It's a crime in Texas for anyone to abandon their pets, even in the case of an eviction," said Harris County Precinct 5 Constable Ted Heap. "I'm just glad that a majority of these animals were rescued before it was too late."

The surviving animals were transferred to the BARC Animal Shelter where they will receive medical care.


RELATED: 59 dogs rescued from property in Shepherd

Deputies identified the owners and will turn over the investigation to the Harris County District Attorney's Office.

If you suspect animal abuse, neglect, hoarding or torture, report it at www.927PAWS.org or 832-927-PAWS.

Copyright © 2019 KTRK-TV. All Rights Reserved.

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