ST. FRANCIS - Animal control seized 17 exotic animals from a St. Francis home, after a venomous snake bites a resident. Snakes and alligators are among the most unusual, officials said. Milwaukee Area Domestic Animal Control Commission (MADACC) doesn't receive many calls about these kinds of animals, but John McDowell wasn't surprised when his team got this one.
"Not in this particular home," explained John McDowell, MADACC Field Officer Supervisor.
The field officer says this is the third time MADACC has been called to a home on Clement Avenue.
"This particular person I think is not just a hobbyist. I thin the situation is again probably something to a hoarder," said McDowell.
Jeremy Loveland talked with TMJ4 about five years ago, after his Gaboob Viper bit him in the arm. MADACC says this time a Water Moccasin or Cottonmouth Snake bit Loveland on his face. His grandmother says he's now recovering at home.
Police aren't taking criminal action against the animal owner. Which ordinances and how many he violated is still under investigation. Jail time would only follow if the owner doesn't pay his fines.
"Certainly anything that's venomous is going to be illegal including venomous insects," said McDowell.
The Milwaukee County Zoo took two of the snakes and the rest are heading to a licensed facility in Illinois.
Loveland was allowed to keep some of his small lizards.
