KENT COUNTY, Mich. — A man has been charged in connection to over two dozen exotic animals that were found in a Kent County home in October, including some that were neglected or dead.
Michael Thomas Lawton was charged with one count of cruelty to 10 or more animals but less than 25 animals, which is a felony.
The animals were found in a Gaines Township home. A total of 27 exotic animals—boa constrictors, pythons, corn snakes, tree snakes, tarantulas, a Pacman frog and a tegu—were recovered from the home. An additional 10 snakes were found dead.
Some of the animals were taken to John Ball Zoo, while others were taken to N&N Exotic Reptile Rescue in Grand Rapids for treatment.
"It's very hard to see animals in the type of shape that they were in, in this case," said John Ball Zoo veterinarian Dr. Ryan Colburn.
Nicole Brandes with N&N Rescue showed 13 ON YOUR SIDE the small containers the animals had been living in that were filled with feces. The animals were almost all battling respiratory illnesses and they were infested with blood-sucking mites.
Now, the animals are making progress and will be adopted out when they are well enough.
Lawton is facing up to four years in jail and/or a $5,000 fine.
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