House Fire Prompts Questions About Exotic Animals

When firefighters rushed into a burning home in Bridgeville over the weekend, they found an usual assortment of exotic animals and reptiles living inside.

and a wild life expert in Washington County is caring them for them while the family that lives in the house takes care of other matters.

The unusual situation led borough police to investigate whether the dozen or more lizards, snakes and other animals were kept in the home legally.

Bridgeville police Chief Chad King said contradictory wording in the borough’s laws means people may keep such animals a pets. He added there are no clearly defined state laws regarding the issue.

“You’re allowed to own and possess them,” King said. “The only problem you would have is if you crossed state lines or released one on purpose into the wild.”

The owner of the animals, 18-year-old Tim Moore, still hasn’t seen his animals since the Saturday night fire, and is unsure which ones survived. King said it was clear that Moore kept good care of the animals and followed all state and borough laws.

“It appeared they all had their own cages and they all were well kept,” King said. “There didn’t appear to be any neglect. That factors in there."

King said this was the first time he has ever looked at the ordinance regarding exotic animals, and is talking with the borough manager to make alterations so it is enforceable. The issue may be brought up at Monday’s borough council meeting.

“It needs reworded,” King said. “I have questions about what’s a domestic animal to a household pet. It’s very broad.”