Nearly 250 rodents transferred to the Humane Society of Southern Arizona that were intended for adoption were instead fed to snakes and reptiles, according to an initial finding in a probe by the agency and the San Diego Humane Society.
The two organizations, who’ve been embroiled in a back-and-forth about the fate of the animals since September, jointly addressed the outcome of the small pets in a news release Thursday afternoon.
The saga began in August when the Humane Society here received a transfer of 323 animals from its San Diego-based counterpart. Later the same day the animals arrived in Tucson, they were transferred to Colten Jones in Apache Junction, the report says.
About 60 of the animals were eventually returned by Jones to the humane society.
However, activists in both San Diego and Tucson pressured both organizations to find out what became of the other 250 small animals that remained in Jones’ possession.
The fallout eventually led the Humane Society of Southern Arizona to fire its CEO Steve Farley and the resignation of Christian Gonzalez, its chief programs officer. Both agencies then announced they were hiring a third-party to investigate.
That led to an uncovered text message from Jones who, after having received the animals, sought assistance in processing a large number of Guinea pigs and rabbits for reptile feed a day after receiving them, the initial report says.
The investigation confirmed Jones operates The Fertile Turtle, a reptile breeding company known for selling both live and frozen animals for reptile consumption.
Both groups are committed to pursuing legal action in the incident, the news release says. It was not clear in the news release on what grounds legal action would be pursued.
The organizations also expressed deep sorrow for the animals and the community’s concern. They encouraged anyone with relevant information to contact the Tucson Police Department and reference case #P2311020076.
A final report is expected in December.
