Exotic pets surrendered, sent to new homes during FWC event

ST. PETERSBURG (FOX 13) - From the slow-moving to the slithering to the squawking, Saturday was the day exotic pet owners could bid farewell to their unwanted pets, no questions asked.

Randy Ellers turned over two snakes to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officers.

“I’m here to give them up, it’s just a little too much work,” Ellers explained.

FWC has hosted the Exotic Pet Amnesty Day program since 2006. Pet owners can give up any invasive and non-native species, no questions asked. 

The animals are adopted out within hours.

“We have a network of adopters who are pre-registered to adopt the animals at this event today," FWC representative Elaine Franklin said. "So people with exotic pets, [if] they can’t keep them anymore, they can be reassured that their animals will be re-homed with adopters who have been reviewed.”

For Ellers, he was relieved knowing his boa constrictor, he affectionately calls Snakey Boy, is going to a new home.

“I think more people should come out. If they want to get rid of their snakes, don’t turn them into wallets or boots,” Ellers said.