- Over 250 animals meant for adoption may have become reptile food, advocates say.
- A group of rabbits, mice, and guinea pigs ended up with a man who runs a reptile breeding company.
- Humane societies in San Diego and Arizona are investigating, as are local police.
A shipment of small animals sent to an Arizona humane society may have ended up as reptile feed, advocates fear.
In August, the San Diego Humane Society transferred about 320 rabbits, guinea pigs, and mice to the Humane Society of Southern Arizona, which in turn transferred the small pets to a man named Colten Jones, according to an HSSA statement published earlier this month.
"The day after receiving these animals, Colten Jones sent a text message seeking assistance in processing a high volume of Guinea pigs and rabbits for food," the HSSA said in a statement, noting Jones runs a reptile breeding company called The Fertile Turtle that "includes selling both live and frozen animals for reptile feed."
Following inquiries from the humane societies, 62 of the animals were returned to the HSSA, according to the statement. The society has since been working to assess what happened to the other 261 animals.
Tucson's CBS affiliate KOLD-TV reported that Jones sent a disturbing text message that may indicate the animals' fates.
"Do you have the ability to freeze off a bunch of guinea pigs and or rabbits? I don't have the manpower or labor to be able to do it in time for the show and it's too much for me," Jones said via text message on August 8, one day after the animals had been transferred, KOLD reported.
Jones could not immediately be reached at a phone number listed in his name.
Per the HSSA statement, the two humane societies were "heartbroken for every one of these animals and every individual who shares our concern for them." In addition to an internal investigation, they opened a case with the Tucson Police Department. The HSSA's CEO and COO, both of whom oversaw the transfer, are no longer employed by the society, according to the statement.