BATTLE CREEK (NEWS 3) - Snakes, monkeys, and exotic birds – the list of animals removed from two neighboring Battle Creek homes is long.
Police went to the homes on Harris Ave. as part of a weapons investigation. They were in for a surprise.
The conditions inside are described as cramped and dirty by animal control officers who went back to one of the homes for a second time today to remove more than a dozen snakes. Many of the snakes are venomous, including cobras and a diamondback rattler.
Also inside - exotic birds and a snapping alligator turtle. In the garage, more birds and chickens.
Yesterday, two capuchin monkeys and other domestic animals were taken from the home next door.
The monkey and nine non-venomous snakes are being cared for at Binder Park Zoo. "We will monitor them, bring them to complete health, make sure they are well cared for and we're at discretion of the legal system," said Binder Park's Greg Geise. "The boxes the monkeys were taken out of were filthy and very small. They just met federal standards."
One neighbor said the homeowner has always taken good care of his animals. She says her children would often go there to play with - and learn about - the animals.
The homeowner could face animal cruelty charges.
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