Couple Face Charges Over Dozens Of Exotic Pets Found In Home
Follow KDKA-TV: Facebook | Twitter
UPPER HANOVER, Pa. (AP) — A couple accused of housing at least 240 exotic animals in a Pennsylvania home is now facing hundreds of animal cruelty and neglect charges.
Montgomery County authorities say the animals found in the Upper Hanover home last month included five turtles, several alligators, numerous ferrets and dozens of snakes. Some of the animals were dead, while others were in poor health.
Thirty-nine-year-old Jason Wieder and 33-year-old Melanie Rehrig each face five felony counts of aggravated cruelty to animals and several misdemeanor charges.
The couple also faces numerous charges in Lehigh County stemming from a raid the uncovered 81 living and five dead animals in a Macungie home. The animals found there included 37 birds and 31 snakes, along with rabbits, pigs and dogs.
It wasn't known Thursday if either Wieder or Rehrig have retained attorneys.
(Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)