Dozens of reptiles and animals, including bearded dragons, chameleons, turtles and dogs, were removed from a Westchester County home Thursday after police responded to an anonymous complaint about the creatures' welfare.
Authorities say 20 dogs were found inside and outside the home on Smith Street. Reptile cages, stacked three high, were on the front porch; some animals inside the cages were dead, officials said.
A veterinarian determined the dogs weren't being treated cruelly, but they hadn't been groomed and were infested with fleas. The reptiles were taken to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in Briarcliff Manor.
The owners of the animals are believed to be out of the country and could not immediately be reached by investigators.
