Jan 10, 2008

STOCKHOLM, Sweden - A Swedish landlord inspecting a recently vacated cottage got an ugly surprise when she found dozens of dead or ailing snakes, mice, rats and lizards locked up in cages.

Authorities have started an investigation into animal abuse after the gruesome discovery last week in Gnesta, in central Sweden.

Animal protection official Monica Angehult says the landlord found 90 snakes, three lizards and 60 mice and rats inside the cottage.

She says all the lizards and rodents were dead, as were 17 of the snakes, which appeared to be pythons.

The remaining snakes, were suffering from dehydration.

It was not immediately clear who had left the animals inside the cottage.

Angehult says a couple that had lived in the building were among the possible suspects.

It was not immediately clear whether anyone had been arrested.