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Two arrests made in snake killings |
By Renée Ruelas-Venegas For the Sun-News |
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LAS CRUCES — Two teenagers were arrested Friday for allegedly killing several snakes and stealing other reptiles from the Las Cruces Reptile Rescue more than two weeks ago. The attack happened sometime between Sept. 10 and 11 when Mike Daniels, the head of the rescue group, was at work. Daniels returned home to find his home in a shambles and more than two dozen reptiles missing. Some of the snakes that were left behind had been stabbed and least five reptiles were killed. A mountain bike, DVDs and other items had been taken from the home. Doña Ana County Sheriff's Investigator Robyn Gojkovich said a tip to Crime Stoppers Friday morning led them to the home of a 17-year-old on Missile Lane on the East Mesa, just two blocks from the location of the burglary. Gojkovich said investigators recovered 19 turtles, the mountain bike and tools from the home on Missile Lane. The investigation then took them across the street where they questioned a second teenager. John Vasquez and Felix Montoya, both 17, were arrested after they admitted to the crime. They are charged with residential burglary, larceny, criminal damage to property, disposing of stolen property and conspiracy. Both teenagers were taken to the Doña Ana County Detention Center where they are being held without bond. Gojkovich said 15 missing snakes were set free into the desert by the teens. Former Reptile Rescue president Roy Thibodeau said he was ecstatic when he learned of the arrests Friday afternoon. "I was really happy," said Thibodeau. "This was something that should not be ignored. It was horrible." Thibodeau said he was also glad to hear the turtles were found, but saddened to learn the 15 missing snakes had been set free. "They'll all die," Thibodeau said. "They are corn and milk snakes, and with it coming into winter they won't survive. This is not their natural habitat." Thibodeau said the snakes are harmless if found. But they are probably long gone from the area. "It would be impossible to go out and try and find them," he said. "They travel miles at a time." Gojkovich said the teens will not be charged with animal cruelty because New Mexico law specifically excludes reptiles. She said they'll be charged with criminal damage instead. "That's nonsense," said Thibodeau. "We really need to change that. Reptiles feel pain and they suffer." Thibodeau and Daniels are looking for a new home for the rescue group, something more permanent for the reptiles. The home that was vandalized is now boarded up and empty. "Since the tragedy, we had a great response from the community," Thibodeau said. "But we really need a place to turn into a rehabilitation and educational center for the reptiles." Thibodeau said that plan is on hold while they try to recover from the devastating burglary. Renée Ruelas-Venegas can be reached at rruelas@lcsun-news.com |
concerning the perpetrators of this horrendous crime. However, the good news is
that Gloria, our albino Burmese Python, is gaining her strength back. After
having been stabbed 12 times, and beaten from head to tail, she seems to be
recovering. It will be another week or so before we'll know for certain if
she will survive her attack.
overwhelmed at the response we've gotten from so many people. We've been
getting letters, donations, e-mails, supplies, etc., not only from our own
community, but from people all over the country, Canada, Australia, the UK,
and the list goes on. It is so heart-warming to see so many people care!
We can't possibly thank every single donor and supporter personally, but
we would like to take this time to sincerely thank all of you who have supported
us in our crisis. It is truly wonderful to know there are so many people
out there who care so much about reptiles and other animals. It makes us
here at the LCRR very PROUD to be associated with so many generous and caring
people. And, we know that if our reptiles could talk, they would give a
resounding "Thank You!" to each and every one of you who have been there
for us during our moment of need. Again, thank you all so very much for
your kindness and support!
us in this time of tragedy. So, if you would kindly e-mail us and give
us permission to place your name on the page, we would be most grateful.
Those who do not give us specific permission to list their names will not
be included on the public list. For those of you who wish to remain anonymous,
please know that we are forever grateful for your kindness!
Mike Daniels' place was vandalized to the point of being "unlivable." The
vandals killed many of the rescued reptiles Mike kept in his home. Among
the dead are a Reticulated Python, a Bearded Dragon, 2 Burmese Pythons,
2 Western Diamondback Rattlesnakes, 2 Gray-Banded Kingsnakes, and others. So
far 4 snakes have survived the attack, although our 10 foot albino Burmese
Python, Gloria, is in critical condition with multiple stab wounds. We do not
know if she will survive, although we are sincerely hoping.
The killers (there had to be more than one) used several knives, a fireplace poker
and at least 2 frying pans to beat the animals to death. They hit the animals
so hard that they broke off the handles of both frying pans. They also injured
several turtles by smashing stones onto their shells. We are all in shock over
this tragedy. What kind of sick, psychotic people could do such a thing to
these poor animals? Some had come to our rescue from abusive/neglective homes.
This has been a devastating blow to our rescue efforts.
The Police have no suspects or motive so far, and crime scene investigators spent
most of the morning lifting fingerprints and cataloging evidence. The only
thing obvious is that there were multiple suspects.
Damages and replacement costs for smashed caging, etc., will run upwards of $6,000
to $7,000. We are in desparate need of donations to help our rescue get back
up and running. If anyone would like to help by making a donation. please click
on the PayPal banner below, or you can send a check or money order to the following address:
Las Cruces Reptile Rescue, 9321 Corona Road, Las Cruces, New Mexico. 88012.
Thank you for your support.
by clicking on the PayPal logo below:
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Trade in Prairie Dogs, Gambian Rats and other African Rodents Affected by Ban When an outbreak of monkeypox linked to pet prairie dogs and Gambian pouched rats was confirmed in June 2003, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Department of Human Health and Safety (HSS) issued a joint order that banned the import of several African rodents and also the transport, sale or release of pet prairie dogs. At the time, it was clear that although the outbreak was quite mild, it was potentially serious enough that the exotic pet trade was going to come under close scrutiny. With a few exceptions, the import of exotic species from around the world into the US is a largely unregulated industry. The outbreak of monkey pox made many people consider the potential for human health risks related to importing exotic species. On November 4 2003, the CDC and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a joint "Interim Final Rule," that makes the previous order permanent as well as adding some new restrictions. The new order specifically bans the capture of wild prairie dogs, and the trade in prairie dogs within states as well as between states. The imports and sale of several African rodents is also banned. The order also has a provision where any other animals that are found to carry monkeypox can be added to the ban. Summary of the New Interim Final Rule: Import of the following African rodents is banned (both directly from Africa and via other countries) Tree squirrels (Sciurus) Rope squirrels (Funisciurus) Dormices (Graphiurus) Gambian Giant Pouched Rats (Cricetomys gambianus) Brush-tailed porcupines (Atherurus africanus) Striped mice (Typomys) "Capture, offers to capture, transport, offers to transport, sale, barter, or exchange, offers to sell, barter, or exchange distribution, offers to distribute, or release of a listed animal into the environment" are all prohibited, for prairie dogs and the rodents listed above. Note that the capture of prairie dogs in the wild with the intent of keeping in captivity is now banned. The regulations were clarified to now specifically prohibit trade both within states and between states. These restrictions are meant to diminish the potential for spread of monkeypox in the US. While prairie dogs were directly involved in the June 2003 outbreak, they seem to have become a scapegoat in the final rules. Their role in the spread of monkeypox was secondary and accidental. Given the suspected source of the virus in the outbreak, the ban on importing the the rodents that might carry monkeypox may have merit. However, in theory the import ban should prevent the possible spread of monkeypox to prairie dogs, so I am not sure I understand the need to ban prairie dogs as pets too. WILD TEXAS RAT SNAKE REMOVED FROM A HOME IN HOUSTON, TX However, some people believe that when their domestic and exotic pets get too difficult to manage, it is okay to release them to fend for themselves. Perhaps they couldn't find another home, or a shelter take them (most rescues are full of pets people have found too difficult). Under no circumstances should domestic or exotic pets be released, for a number of reasons. The end results are the same regardless of how the domestic or exotic pets get into the wild. Cruelty Issues The harsh reality is that the vast majority of released pets will die. Some will die quickly, possibly after getting hit by a vehicle or running into a predator. Others will die a long, slow death by starvation. Either way, it is extremely cruel to return a pet into the wild. Many so-called exotic pets are more domestic than they are wild, and do not have the skills to survive in the wild. Even those that were originally wild-caught still have a difficult time adapting to a new environment, where their usual food is not available or the conditions may not be suitable. Life in the wild is no picnic, especially for animals that are used to free food and shelter. It is even worse if animals are released into an environment that is not suitable (be it temperature, humidity, availability of water or hiding places, etc.). Of course, some animals become the exceptions to the above scenario, but a happy ending is still not the usual result. Please search for a rescue never release any animals to the wild! Never take animals out of the wild, many animals can become endangered!
Pets The complete guide to choosing and caring for your pet. Pet Names, pet care, pet information, help choosing a pet and more
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Non Profit No kill Rescue
