Not a home, but a snake farm in Istanbul: 42 snakes found in a house in Çatalca

In a raid on a house in Istanbul's Çatalca district, 42 exotic snakes kept without the necessary permits and documentation were seized. The owner of the snakes, which were taken under protection by teams from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, was issued a record administrative fine.

Acting on a tip-off, teams from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry's General Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks (DKMP), together with law enforcement officers, carried out a surprise inspection of a detached house in Çatalca. Upon entering the house, the teams encountered dozens of massive snakes kept in special compartments and aquariums.

During the count and examination, the following snakes, including world-famous and dangerous species, were identified in the house:

•18 Python snakes (massive reptiles reaching several meters in length)

•21 Corn snakes (a species known for its exotic colors)

•3 King snakes

DKMP: "OUR INSPECTIONS WILL CONTINUE WITH DETERMINATION"

The DKMP General Directorate shared images of the operation on its social media account and made the following statement:

"During the checks, 18 pythons, 21 corn snakes, and 3 king snakes were identified without the necessary permits. The snakes were seized and taken under protection by our teams, and an administrative fine was imposed on the individual concerned. We will continue to carry out our inspections regarding the unauthorized possession of wild animals with determination."

THEY WILL BE DELIVERED TO A ZOO

The 42 snakes, which are estimated to have been smuggled into the country or bred without permission, will be delivered to the nearest zoo and rehabilitation center to ensure appropriate living conditions after undergoing checks by veterinarians. The individual who kept 42 snakes in their home was fined thousands of liras for possessing illegal wild animals.

News Source: 12punto