Video: Exotic Animal Farm Found in Oktibbeha Co.

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STARKVILLE, Miss. – (WCBI)  The City of Starkville Police Department is continuing an investigation in an exotic animal breeding farm that was discovered in operation at 203 Park Avenue. On August 28, The Starkville Police Department assisted by Mississippi Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Federal Agents with the Federal Wildlife Services and the Oktibbeha County Sheriffs Department, served a search warrant at this address and discovered many different species of exotic animals including African Cats, assorted varieties of South American and African birds and dozens of species of frogs, snakes

and lizards, snakes in numbers of 50-75. The exact number of animals is yet to be determined due to the fact that the Officers were not capable of inventorying the containers for safety reasons. Law Enforcement Officers were unable to remove and

seize these animals for lack of proper storage at an alternate site. Police are currently working with State and Federal Agencies to have these animal removed. They remain contained onsite in cages and climate controlled aquariums. We do not

feel these snakes and other animals pose a threat to public safety because of the way they are being housed. A financial estimate based on preliminary inventories would indicate total values of numbers running well over $100,000.00. The individual living at this residence and responsible for these animals is cooperating with Law Enforcement Officers and specific criminal charges are still being researched as to what may be applicable. This is an ongoing investigations that is being shared with the public due to many inquiries from residents as to their safety. We emphasis again that we do not believe these animals pose a threat due to the way they

currently contained. No other information will be available to be released at this time.

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