A Tyrone residence on W. 15th Street was the scene of the rescue and seizure of dozens of animals yesterday afternoon.
Authorities went to the home of Adam and Andora Gardner at 326 W. 15th St. at about 2 p.m. in response to a 911 call and complaint. What they found was a “non-livable” situation for both humans and animals, according to Central Pennsylvania Humane Society officer Paul Gottshall.
The officer said the home was infested with fleas and flies. Authorities removed four cats and three dogs from one side of a duplex. Additionally, authorities discovered a baby American alligator and an aggressive lizard called a monitor. Gottshall said there were also several pythons and boa constrictors. He said there were also several other snakes and lizards. Other reptiles, animals and birds were also found at the scene.
Authorities removed many of the creatures. However, Gottshall said not all of them were removed because of the enormity of the situation. Officials focused on those animals and reptiles that were most at risk.
Gottshall said the investigation is continuing and charges are pending in the case. He said the residence was to be condemned by code enforcement in Tyrone.
The animals that were seized and rescued were taken to the CPHS location in Altoona.
Code enforcement officer Tom Lang said he was in the process of having the residence condemned as “unfit for human occupancy.” He said the reason for the declaration was due to the sanitary conditions of the structure. He said he expected to complete the process and serve notice by this afternoon.
Lang said the occupants have been told verbally they would need to vacant the premises immediately upon written notice. He said the occupants are allowed to go into the residence to remove belongings and the remaining animals but they will not be allowed to occupy it as a place to live.
Lang said the residents are tenants and the owner of the building would also receive notice of the condemnation. The owner would then be responsible for bringing the structure back into compliance.
Lang said the notice of condemnation applies only to the affected side of the duplex.
Calls to the Tyrone Police Department were not returned by press time today.
