ANIMALS
More Than 100 Animals, Including Exotic And Endangered Species, Seized From New York Home
Humane Long Island
A New York man is facing thousands of dollars in fines after more than 100 animals, including exotic and endangered species, were found caged inside his Long Island home, officials said.
Humane Long Island said a tipster reported what appeared to be an unlicensed exhibitor showing animals at the Bellmore Street Festival in October 2023. The organization launched a joint investigation with the New York Department of Environmental Conservation and the Nassau County SPCA that ended with a raid Tuesday night.
There were more than 100 animals found in the basement and backyard of Matthew Spohrer, 32, in North Bellmore, Humane Long Island said. The organization took custody of several dozen animals including a Lesser Rhea, also known as a South American ostrich.
Humane Long Island also took custody of two peafowl, dozens of chickens, domestic ducks and geese, and dozens of live quails that Spohrer allegedly planned to feed to reptiles he kept in his basement.
After being seen by a vet, many of the birds, including the rhea, will be transported to Skywatch Bird Rescue in Castle Hayne, N.C., Humane Long Island said.
Other confiscated animals included an endangered Tiger Salamander, a Giant African Snail, a North American opossum, two Prairie dogs, an Asian water monitor, a Savannah monitor, a Sulcata tortoise, several Degus, and a variety of other reptiles, including snakes and turtles, the organization said.
The illicit wildlife trade is one of the largest sources of criminal earnings, behind only arms smuggling and drug trafficking. But the animals pay the price, John Di Leonardo, anthrozoologist and Executive Director of Humane Long Island, said in a statement. Hoarding giant birds, prairie dogs, and endangered species in a cramped basement or backyard shed is cruel, and keeping them in cages next to their natural predators can cause them extreme stress. Simply speaking, wild animals are not pets.
According to NBC4, the SPCA fined Sporher thousands of dollars for 30 violations. The Nassau County SPCA holds special authority to enforce the state’s Agriculture and Markets Law, as well as all other state and local humane laws.
TMX contributed to this article.
