Feb 7, 2008 5:21 pm US/Central
Pet Store Animals Found Abandoned In The Colony
THE COLONY (CBS 11 News) ―
Hamsters and snakes were found dead in a pet store in The Colony after the owner allegedly abandoned them without food and water.
The property manager stopped by the Pet Tails Pet Store in the 4700 block of S. Colony Blvd. to change the locks on the door because the pet store owner was behind on his payments. When the woman looked through the window she saw several animals inside.
According to the electric company the power had been off at the business for more than a week and that's how long animal control officials believe the animals had been abandoned.
When animal control responded they found two dead snakes and two dead hamsters. Several fish, crab, a hamster and a python snake were found alive. The animals were placed in homes where they'll be cared for.
The python was taken to a science lab in the Plano Independent School District. The animal has an infection that will take several months to clear up. Eventually the snake will be used to educate students on the life cycle of snakes and wild animals.
CBS 11 News tried to contact the pet store owner but he would not answer any questions.
The police department and the local district attorney's office will determine if any charges will be filed.
(© MMVIII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
