Dead animals found in Lakeland pet shop

The Polk County Sheriff's office is investigating several dead animals found in a pet shop.

Noah's Ark Exotic Pets in Lakeland is the target of an ongoing investigation into the mistreatment of animals over a one-week period in late August.

Polk County investigators said the temperature inside the store soared to 100 degrees and the animals were left with no water inside their locked cages.

Lakeland Electric cut power to the business on Aug. 25 because of an unpaid bill. The owner said she was out of town and didn't get the notice, and that a caretaker responsible for the store while she was gone did not care for the animals properly.

Eight animals including a lizard, a rabbit, a duck, birds and chickens were found dead. About 53 animals were still alive, but according to investigators, were locked in cages with no water.

The surviving animals have been seized.  They will be examined by Animal Control's veterinary staff.

The Polk County Sheriff's Office and Animal Control learned about the problem after several calls from people saying they spotted dead animals inside the locked store.

The Polk County Sheriff's Office is working with the State Attorney to determine if any charges will be filed in the case.