Overview
- Veterinary and nature-conservation officials conducted an unannounced inspection Tuesday after a tip and found 47 giant snakes in a private residence.
- Thirteen were dead and 34 were emaciated or ill, with extreme dehydration, lethargy, heavy parasite loads, wounds, scars and abscesses; some carcasses measured up to 1.6 meters.
- The surviving snakes were confiscated and transported to Munich’s reptile rescue station because standard animal shelters lacked the capacity and expertise.
- Specialists report at least one snake has been euthanized and say it remains uncertain how many of the others will survive.
- Stuttgart has involved police and plans to file charges for suspected violations of animal- and species-protection laws, labeling the case its most serious reptile-keeping breach in years.