Lollypop Farm Humane Law Enforcement Makes Arrest in Case Involving Reptile Rescue
Fairport, N.Y. (May 22, 2024) – Lollypop Farm Humane Law Enforcement investigators have arrested Chester Miles (29) owner of Miles Exotic Pet Rescue, on six counts of failure to provide proper sustenance under Section 353 of the Agriculture and Markets Law of the State of New York.
In early April, several individuals came forward regarding the lack of care for reptiles and other small animals by Chester Miles at Miles Exotic Pet Rescue located in the Sibley Building in Downtown Rochester. Subsequently, property management called Humane Law Enforcement investigators to the location on April 12th after animals were found abandoned following eviction. Upon arrival, investigators discovered over 23 animals had been left in the location, including five fish which were found deceased. The other animals included three bearded dragons, two iguanas, a ball python, a red-tailed boa, a skink, a sulcata tortoise, a king snake, four geckos, two rabbits, and two rats. Several animals were left without water and appropriate heat sources.
Lollypop Farm Humane Law Enforcement transported the animals to the shelter for immediate care. After initial veterinary examinations, multiple animals were found to be in poor body condition. Two animals succumbed to their conditions (a rabbit passed overnight due to emaciation and neglect, and a red-tailed boa was humanely euthanized due to poor prognosis after being found with wounds and other health issues).
“We are grateful for those individuals who came forward to report on the conditions of these animals,” states Reno Di Domenico, Vice President for Humane Law Enforcement at Lollypop Farm. “No animal should be without food, water, or a safe environment. In cases like this, first-hand reports from Good Samaritans are critical to helping us build our case and bring animal abusers to justice.”
A number of the animals were signed over to Lollypop Farm, with five already having been adopted. The remaining ten animals will be held for court and are being cared for by Lollypop Farm and the Seneca Park Zoo.
Miles faces up to a year in jail and/or a $1,000 fine for each misdemeanor charge and will be arraigned in Rochester City Court on June 6, 2024.
Lollypop Farm maintains an SPCA designation, and its Humane Law Enforcement Department is charged with investigating and enforcing the animal cruelty laws of New York State. Serving Monroe, Orleans, Livingston, and Genesee counties, Lollypop Farm plays a critical role in addressing animal cruelty in the community. Our humane law enforcement officers are certified state peace officers, all having experience and training as police officers, using this authority under the law to make arrests and seize animals being abused or neglected. Lollypop Farm and its Humane Law Enforcement Department are generously supported by our community to provide this service.
To report animal abuse or neglect in Monroe, Livingston, Genesee or Orleans counties, call our Humane Law Enforcement Department at 585-223-6500or call 911 for immediate life-threatening situations.
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About Lollypop Farm, Humane Society of Greater Rochester
Established in 1873, Lollypop Farm is the largest animal welfare organization helping pets and people in the Greater Rochester area. Together with the community, the organization betters the lives of animals through justice, prevention, and life-saving care. With a main campus in Fairport, the organization provides shelter, care, and adoption for dogs, cats, small animals, birds, reptiles, horses, and other farm animals. Lollypop Farm is an independent nonprofit organization supported through contributions, grants, investments, proceeds from retail sales, and fees for programs and services. For more information and to meet adoptable animals, please visit www.lollypop.org.
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Media Contact:
Ashley Zeh
(585) 721-2169
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