Ostrich, Prairie Dogs Among 100 Animals Seized From Bellmore Home

NORTH BELLMORE, NY — A North Bellmore man was given 30 violations related to illegal possession of animals.

The Nassau County SPCA led a multi-agency investigation of Matthew Spohrer, who had 100 animals inside his basement and backyard on Tuesday night, Humane Long Island said.

Several animals were taken into custody by Humane Long Island, among them a Lesser Rhea, also known as a South American ostrich, two peafowl, dozens of chickens, domestic ducks and geese.

The birds will ultimately get transported to SkyWatch Bird Rescue in North Carolina.

"The illicit wildlife trade is one of the largest sources of criminal earnings, behind only arms smuggling and drug trafficking. But the animals pay the price," said John Di Leonardo, executive director of Humane Long Island.

Other animals confiscated in the Bellmore raid included an endangered tiger salamander, a North American opossum, two prairie dogs and a variety of reptiles.

"Hoarding giant birds, prairie dogs, and endangered species in a cramped basement or backyard shed is cruel, and keeping them in cages next to their natural predators can cause them extreme stress," Di Leonardo said.

The joint investigation began after a fairgoer observed what appeared to be an unlicensed exhibitor showcasing animals at the Bellmore Street Festival this past October, Di Leonardo said.