Dozens of neglected and dead animals found in ‘house of horrors’

The carcasses of 30 animals and 40 neglected animals, including spiders, snakes, hedgehogs and terrapins, were confiscated by the Benoni SPCA recently.

A Burmese python confiscated from the property.

Vicky Finnemore, Benoni SPCA manager called it a “house of horrors”.

After receiving a complaint of animals being neglected at a property in Fairleads, the SPCA sent inspectors to the house on November 10.

“The owner of the animals wasn’t there, but we left a warning,” said Finnemore.

The following day, after receiving no response from the owner, the society obtained a warrant and returned to the property.

“When entering the home, our staff found dozens of neglected snakes and spiders, as well as dead hedgehogs and terrapins,” Finnemore said.

“The mess inside the house was shocking and the tanks holding the reptiles and arachnids (spiders) were beyond putrid.”

Finnemore said a cage holding three dead African Pygmy hedgehogs was found in one of the rooms.

“Dead snakes were picked up off the floors and counters of the house and over a dozen glass tanks were found, with dead spiders in them,” she explained.

“The spiders had died from dehydration and although these creatures are feared by most, they’re still living beings that may have suffered until their dying day.

“Most of the snakes were suffering with respiratory problems from incorrect temperatures in their tanks.”

She said these type of animals can survive longer than most in harsh conditions, meaning they likely suffered for long before dying.

Some of the dead snakes found in the Fairleads home.

Vicky Finnemore, Benoni SPCA manager.

A Burmese python and an albino Burmese python (back) confiscated from the property.

One of the dead hedgehogs found on the property.

One of the tarantulas confiscated from the property.

Jesse Casper, trainee inspector at the Benoni SPCA.

Some of the glass tanks holding snakes and other animals, in the Fairleads home.

One of the tarantulas confiscated from the property.

Amongst the animals that were confiscated were:
• Burmese pythons
• Ball pythons
• Red tail boas
• Dumeril’s boas
• A grey rat snake
• Carpet pythons
• Fresh water lobsters
• Red knee tarantulas
• Chaco golden knee tarantulas
• A Goliath bird eater tarantula
• Fire leg tarantulas
• Curly hair tarantulas
• A giant blonde tarantula
• Chilean rose tarantulas
• Western diamondback rattlesnakes.

According to Finnemore, around 30 animals were found dead.

“The owner of the animals wasn’t present at the time of the confiscation and we haven’t heard from him since,” she said.

“They are in a place of safety now.”

The Benoni SPCA will open a case of cruelty to animals.