Lockport, NY (WBEN) DEC Environmental Conservation Police Officers executed a search warrant at Pets Plus in Lockport Tuesday as part of a six-month investigation into the illegal sale and/or possession of wildlife. Several animals were removed from the store.
While the DEC says the investigation is ongoing, the Niagara County SPCA says it's helping care for the seized animals. “The Niagara County SPCA seized several snakes, rats, rabbits, a couple geckos and a turtle that appeared to be in need of medical attention,” said Lauren Zaninovich, shelter manager for the Niagara SPCA, who was also the SPCA’s lead cruelty investigator for the raid. While the NYS DEC was looking primarily for illegally owned animals, the SPCA says it was included in the raid to look for neglected or abused animals.
The Niagara County SPCA, located at 2100 Lockport Road in the Town of Wheatfield, will provide all care, including veterinarian services, for the seized animals until such time as either the animals are signed over to the SPCA voluntarily by Pets Plus or possession of the animals are awarded to the SPCA by the court. Once that happens, and the animals receive medical clearance, they will be available for adoption.