Rebecca and Charles Dutton (Greenville Co. Sheriff's Office)GREENVILLE, SC (FOX Carolina) -
A Cleveland couple was accused of child neglect Thursday after animal control officers took eight venomous snakes from their home last month.
On April 26, deputies said they went to a home in Geer Highway after someone complained about venomous snakes being at the home. They said the snakes, including a cobra and pit vipers, were seized by animal control.
Deputies said that after the reptiles were confiscated, the case was reviewed by animal control officers and a reptile expert. They said based on that review it was determined that the couple, identified as Charles and Rebecca Dutton, did not have a permit to possess such animals.
Investigators said they also determined that the snakes were also not properly housed, placing the Duttons' two children, ages 2 months and 3 years, at an unreasonable risk of harm.
Deputies said the couple was arrested Thursday and charged with unlawful neglect of a child. They were each released from jail on $3,000 bond. They said the children are still in the custody of their parents.
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