Officials removed 60 animals Wednesday from the home of Ali Iyoob, who was bitten by his own king cobra earlier this week.
Iyoob remains in critical condition at UNC hospitals after being bit by the venomous snake.
Orange County Animal Services, members of the Sheriff’s Office and experts from the North Carolina Museum of Natural sciences spent 6 hours Wednesday removing the animals from Iyoob’s home. In total they removed 60 animals including, 34 snakes, 18 of which were venomous, one caiman, two turtles, five chickens, eight baby chicks, four quail, four fish and a dog and a cat and one small crocodile species called a caiman.
An Orange County ordinance restricts keeping venomous or constrictive snakes inside the county.
Bob Marotto, director of Orange County Animal Services, said this case was the reason that rule is in place.
“The public safety risk of wild and exotic animals, of snakes that are venomous and can administer a lethal bite are the primary reason we have the ordinance we have here in Orange County,” said Marotto.
According to the release from Orange County, the venomous snakes will be moved to a holding facility, while the others will be held at the NC Zoo. The rest of the animals will remain in the care of Animal Services for now.
It is unclear whether Iyoob will face charges.
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