Nearly 100 exotic animals found in contaminated, overheated enclosures; Man arrested
Police arrested a resident of the municipality of Beekdaelen in the Limburg province on suspicion of neglecting nearly 100 exotic animals, which were kept in overheated, dirty enclosures without adequate drinking water, police reports.
According to police, the animals included birds of prey, storks, deer species, meerkats, squirrels, Bengal cats, servals, fennec foxes, weasels, mongooses, tortoises, and unusual species such as pygmy marmosets, honey badgers, and kinkajous.
The enclisures were often found unsuitable for the species in question, and some enclosures were contaminated.
The resident was arrested on suspicion of illegally possessing certain animal species and neglecting their welfare. Police did not release the suspect's identity.
Police seized some of the animals on Tuesday. They were transferred to temporary shelters and specialized care facilities, where they are receiving treatment.
The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority seized the remaining animals on Wednesday.
