Alligators, Venomous Snakes Seized From Butler Home: PD

BUTLER, NJ — Three alligators and several Venomous snakes were among the numerous exotic animals seized from a Butler home earlier this year, the New Jersey Conversation Officer's Association said on Tuesday.

Three American Alligators, two Caiman, one Prairie Rattlesnake, one Monocled Cobra, one Gaboon Viper and one Puff Adder were seized on March 23, the day after officers were first called to the home of Joseph Faris, 37, of Butler. The Faris' first called Butler Borough Police and the Bloomingdale Animal Control Officers to help remove several dogs from the home. It was during that call that officers spotted a rattlesnake and an alligator.

The next day, officers returned armed with a search warrant and found the additional animals, many of which are exotic and require permits, and that are considered "potentially dangerous."

Faris was issued 55 summonses stemming from the raid, officers said, and reportedly faces several criminal charges after some of the animals died. But Faris and his lawyer told NJ.com that the charges are only half the story.

According to Faris, he was running a legitimate business that had several lapsed permits. The animals only died because Faris temporarily left the home, and his wife failed to care for them, Faris' lawyer told NJ.com.

The Morris County Prosecutor's Office confirmed that Faris faces charges related to exotic animals.