A couple from southwest Florida is now in custody after officials found a shocking 300 animals in their home. The 300 animals in the couple's home were discovered after officials received a call about a child that had been reported missing. Among the 300 animals found were three dead rats and one dead hamster in the home of the suspects. They are now facing charges which include animal cruelty and child abuse, according to a Jan. 7 report from ABC News.
Jeffrey O'Neil and Jennifer Kovacs called the Pinellas County Sheriff's department to report the disappearance of a 16-month-old girl. Officials then went to the home of the alleged suspects, and to their shock and horror, found an estimated 300 animals in their house.
The little girl was later found at a relative's house, and authorities said she was unharmed. The relative of the couple took the child when she attempted to wake the intoxicated couple up without success.
Authorities couldn't believe the sight they saw when they went to the couple's house. Hundreds of snakes, lizards, rats, birds and rabbits were found living at the house in deplorable conditions.
Officials on the scene later discovered the animals were being bred and sold illegally.
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