More than 40 exotic pets abandoned in SW Houston apartment

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — More than 40 animals, mostly exotic pets, were removed from a southwest Houston apartment complex.

On Wednesday, deputies removed the animals from an apartment located in the 8900 block of Chimney Rock after the tenants left the pets behind.

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Deputies say a corn snake, a Tokay gecko, two chinchillas, three hedgehogs and 26 fish were rescued. Nine of the pets, including a chameleon, a ferret and five sugar gliders, were found dead.

“It’s a crime in Texas for anyone to abandon their pets, even in the case of an eviction,” said Harris County Precinct 5 Constable Ted Heap. “I’m just glad that a majority of these animals were rescued before it was too late.”

The surviving animals were transferred to the BARC Animal Shelter where they will receive medical care.

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Deputies identified the owners and will turn over the investigation to the Harris County District Attorney’s Office.