LAKE ELSINORE (KTLA) — Authorities in Riverside County have found more than 700 dead animals at a Lake Elsinore business after receiving a complaint from animal activists.
City officials said they began investigating Global Captive Breeders on Third Street in early December after receiving a complaint from the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.
Animal control officials shut down the business on Wednesday after finding hundreds of dead animals, filth and other problems.
After two days of cleanup, more than 700 dead reptiles and rats were removed from the facility and as nearly 600 live snakes were noted for removal.
According to the company’s website, the business operates in a “state of the art” facility with over 6,100 square feet of space.
“We have made several improvements to the building to ensure we could create the optimal conditions for each species,” the website said.
The statement on the website also said that the company has intentions to expand their operations.
Investigators estimate that the building housed from 6,000 to 10,000 rats, which were being raised as reptile food.
Workers are expected to continue cleaning up the site next week.
No arrests have been made.
6 Comments to “Hundreds of Dead Rodents, Reptiles Found at Lake Elsinore Breeder”
December 16, 2012 at 12:15 PM
This is mass animal abuse. Why no arrests? Investigate law enforcement authorities, also.
December 16, 2012 at 12:27 PM
You are an idiot!
December 16, 2012 at 2:07 PM
To whom did these factory breeders sell both the rats and reptiles? I bet Petco and Petsmart. Both companies buy animals from factories like this and have been cited by govt agencies. Yet it continues. Will continue until they are outed. I have fostered breeder parrots from these places. Wings broken and ligaments torn deliberately to make it easier. SAD !!!!
December 18, 2012 at 1:36 PM
No they were not sold to big companies such as Petco and Petsmart. They were sold to individuals who ordered them via online, in store, or over the phone. Petco and PetSmart turned him down and have their own private better breeders.
December 20, 2012 at 12:47 PM
I did some work for this guy about 2 years ago and the conditions were deplorable then.