Long Island Man With 850 Snakes Looking For Commercial Space

SHIRLEY, N.Y. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- An animal control officer who had more than 850 snakes at his Long Island home is searching for a new shelter for them.

Richard Parrinello is seeking a commercially zoned facility for the snakes, his attorney said. Parrinello is planning to submit a proposal to the Town of Brookhaven for the snakes' removal by the end of the week.

Authorities said they found the snakes -- including a pair of 6-foot Burmese pythons -- Thursday in two garages at Parrinello's home in Shirley. The Burmese pythons are illegal to own in New York state.

Parrinello, 44, who worked for the Town of Brookhaven, was selling the slithery creatures while he was collecting disability from his job, officials said. He does not face any criminal charges, but he was issued summonses for running an illegal business out of his home and illegal converting his garage.

Police say the reptiles were discovered while authorities were investigating whether Parrinello was violating Brookhaven town codes while out of work on disability, CBS 2's Dave Carlin reported.

The snakes were in good health, authorities said. Only the two Burmese pythons were removed from the home.

Last week, the Town of Brookhaven issued Parrinello an ultimatum: apply for permits to run a legitimate business or face losing the snakes, which are believed to have a commercial value of about $500,000.

Town attorney David Moran says Parrinello seems willing to cooperate with officials.

You May Also Be Interested In These Stories

(TM and © Copyright 2013 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2013 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)