A letter of conditions to be met for the return of the fire victims was sent via Certified US mail yesterday. We've tried to be fair and focus only on the things that will insure these reptiles remain in great health. At this point, I have no idea how it will be received.
Here is a copy of the letter with some identifying information removed (see original post HERE)
May 9, 2016
Dear Mr. ----------
Following a house fire at your place of residence on April 6, 2016, you dropped off 11 reptiles (7 snakes & 4 lizards) on April 7, 2016 to [my partner's house] with a verbal agreement that Marybeth & I would take over their care and vet treatment. The first vet appointment was on Saturday, April 9, 2016. Four more visits were made on 4/9/16, 4/11/16, 4/14/16, and 4/27/16. To date we have spent a total of approximately $1,690: $1,043.19 in vet expenses (including several discounts) and $650 in additional expenses for enclosures, supplies, food, etc. We anticipate an additional $200 in vet care for 3 of the snakes and 2 of the lizards.
The goal from the beginning has been to return the reptiles to their owner when they are healthy and finished with vet treatment. However, we believe it is essential to ensure that the reptiles will then be cared for properly in accordance with the wishes of the 50+ donors who have generously donated over $1,200 to their care. Consequently, we feel it necessary to add a few conditions for the return of the reptiles.
1. Each of the reptiles must complete their vet care before being returned.
2. Since last Thursday, we have had FOUR separate, non-related adults demand the return of these reptiles and are no longer confident who the owner actually is. We need proof of ownership in the form of adoption contracts, receipts, purchase forms, or other similar documents.
3. We need the address of a stable residence where the reptiles will be kept. The residence will need to have the utilities necessary to provide the appropriate climate for the reptiles, including heat and electricity. Our rescue committee will conduct a brief home visit to make sure everything is ready (including the setups described below) before we return the reptiles.
4. Permanent enclosures for five of the reptiles will need to be provided:
− 2 large enclosures for the albino Burmese pythons (bigger than a 75 gallon each)
− 1 large enclosure for the Nile monitor (bigger than a 55 gallon)
− 1 large enclosure for the adult red tail (bigger than a 55 gallon)
The other reptiles will be returned in setups that were donated or purchased for them with donated funds.
− 2 large enclosures for the albino Burmese pythons (bigger than a 75 gallon each)
− 1 large enclosure for the Nile monitor (bigger than a 55 gallon)
− 1 large enclosure for the adult red tail (bigger than a 55 gallon)
The other reptiles will be returned in setups that were donated or purchased for them with donated funds.
5. We have received multiple reports from people who prefer to remain anonymous regarding conditions of severe neglect and abuse occurring in the house in West Valley prior to the fire. Additional reports of outstanding warrants and drug abuse have also come to us from reliable sources and have been verified through state websites. The legal owner of the reptiles must not have any outstanding warrants or other issues that might result in the animals being unexpectedly abandoned due to the owner’s arrest.
If you feel that these conditions are unfair, we will consider returning the reptiles as is without any further care and without any setups included if you demonstrate ownership and reimburse all expenses so we can refund our donors and our rescue members. An exact spreadsheet of expenses will be provided upon request, but it will take up to 10 business days to get a complete and accurate expense record (along with copies receipts & statements) to you.
You are welcome to communicate with me through the email address or post office box listed above. If either of these methods are used for harassment or abuse, I will feel justified in cutting off all contact. In addition, if you continue to harass Marybeth (at her home OR at her work), I will assist her in obtaining a restraining order. I sincerely hope this is not necessary.
If you do not accept these conditions, please feel free to consult with a lawyer. In return, I am prepared to retain an animal rights lawyer if necessary to make sure these reptiles get the necessary care. Again, if you choose to take this route, please have your lawyer contact me through the above email and address.
Sarah --------