Unlicensed reptile retailer shut down in Columbus County

COLUMBUS COUNTY, NC (WWAY) – An unlicensed retail reptile venture was closed down in Columbus County today.

Joey Prince, with Columbus County Animal Control, says they helped the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office in their investigation of an internet-based, unlicensed operation selling a wide variety of snakes and other reptiles.  Prince says the owners shut down their business in order to be in compliance with state and local ordinances.

“The people operating the business stated that they were unaware of the portion of the county ordinance that forbids the selling or trading of any wild or exotic animal,” said Prince. Licenses for selling of such animals can only be issued by the the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission.

Prince says, despite what had been reported to Animal Control, the animal were all kept in very clean enclosures and appeared all to be in good health.

Custody of the two animals that were at the home were released to Alligator Adventure, an approved institution for the housing of reptiles.

Prince says the Columbus County Animal Shelter does not have the facilities to care for these type animals in a manner that ensures their health and well being.