Couple Harmed Hundreds Of Exotic Animals: Montco DA

UPPER HANOVER, PA -- A Montgomery County couple faces more than 500 charges of animal cruelty after alligators, turtles, snakes, and endangered species were seized from their home during an October raid.

Palm residents Melanie Rehrig, 33, and Jason Wieder, 39, were first investigated after the Humane Society was alerted to a suspicious situation at their home on the 1100 block of Station Road in Upper Hanover. The couple were in the process of moving to the home after a hundred animals were taken by the Humane Society from their old home in Macungie, the DA said.

When officials arrived at the Upper Hanover home, conditions were even worse. A total of 258 animals were found in extremely poor conditions inside the house, the Montgomery County District Attorney's Office said. That included two southern leopard frogs, listed as endangered species by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.

>>100 Snakes, Other Exotic Animals Seized From Montco Home: Reports

Many of the animals were suffering from severe dehydration, hunger, and pre-existing medical issues which required veterinary care, the DA said. Two snakes were found dead, and another snake had to be euthanized. Two tortoises and two guinea pigs were unable to be saved as well, officials said.

Both Rehrig and Wieder were charged with five counts of aggravated cruelty to animals, two counts of possession of threatened or endangered species, and 516 counts of neglect of animals.

Bail was set at $25,000 and both suspects were released. The pair were arraigned on Nov. 26. A preliminary hearing is forthcoming.

Image via Montgomery County District Attorney's Office