Animal Control Officer Found With 850 Snakes Seeks New Home for Reptiles

Authorities found the reptiles inside two garages at Richard Parinello's home on Long Island

An animal control officer found with more than 850 snakes at his Long Island home is searching for a shelter for them.

An attorney for Richard Parrinello says his client is seeking a commercially zoned facility that can shelter the snakes. He is planning to submit a proposal to the town of Brookhaven for the snakes' removal by the end of the week.

Authorities removed two 6-foot Burmese pythons from Parrinello's garage last week.

Burmese pythons are illegal to own in New York state without a permit. Most of the other 850 snakes found on Parrinello's property are legal but officials said he violated town codes by operating his reptile-sales business without a permit.

Town attorney David Moran says Parrinello seems willing to cooperate with the town.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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