The appellants appealed a Notice of Removal issued by Animal Welfare Services regarding five tortoises, three birds, four lizards, and three dogs removed from their home due to non-compliance with previous orders and to relieve the animals' distress.
The Animal Care Review Board found that all the removed animals were in distress at the time of removal due to poor husbandry, lack of water, and unsanitary conditions.
The Board ordered the return of one dog and two budgies, finding the appellants could properly care for them, but declined to return the exotic animals due to the appellants' inability to maintain the required standard of care.
The appellants were also ordered to pay $27,000 for the costs of caring for the animals.
