Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, September 18, 1993 TAG: 9309180166
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: NORFOLK LENGTH: Short
The owner of the house, Robert Parks, was charged with cruelty to animals and failure to perform duties of ownership, said Larry Hill, a Norfolk police spokesman.
According to Hill, police officers accompanied by city health officials went to Parks' home about 10:20 a.m. to investigate a complaint about a strong stench.
Authorities found at least 100 snakes, many highly poisonous and a few considered exotic, in cages or tanks inside the home. The alligators were found in an outside pit, Hill said.
The snakes included copperheads and rattlesnakes. At least four of the alligators were full-grown, Hill said.
Virginia Miles, who lives nearby, said neighbors sometimes heard strange noises coming from the property. "It was something to hear," she said.
Officials were conducting an inventory of the creatures and planned to care for them on the site until arrangements are made to move them elsewhere. Hill said authorities also were seeking anti-venom serum in case it was needed by handlers who will move the snakes.
The property was closed as a health hazard because of the filth and waste, Hill said. He said numerous rodents apparently used to feed the snakes were found at the site.
by CNB