Rheas, giant African snails and other exotic animals have been seized in a New York home

NY. authorities They seized hundreds of animals filled with exotic species, including giant African snails, sulcata tortoises and rheas, from a home on Long Island..

animals, Some of which are dangerous, state and local authorities discovered Tuesday night. In the basement and backyard shed of a house in suburban North Bellmore, about 15 miles east of New York City. According to animal advocacy group Humane Long Island, the owner of the collection was cited for 30 violations related to illegal possession of animals.

“I had a lot of animals with nothing to do in the suburbs, period. Especially not in someone’s shed or their basement,” said John Di Leonardo, the group’s president and CEO.

The group took possession of several dozen animals, Among them was Ria, a five-month-old female named Addie, whom he found in a crowded basement.

Di Leonardo said the man told him That he had drunkenly ordered Rhea eggs online.

Matt Roper, director of law enforcement for the Nassau County SPCA, said he could not name the owner of the animals, who lives at home with his parents, because the investigation was ongoing.

That is what the authorities said Investigations began after humans began appearing with animals at events such as birthday shows and street fairs..

A message seeking comment was left at a phone number associated with the person.

Roper said the state environmental agency has issued half a dozen citations To provide shelter to endangered species. Local ordinances were also violated.

“He was very cooperative. I got scared. “I think it was beyond him,” Roper said. “They took care of the animals. They were fed. “It wasn’t the cleanest situation.”