Authorities discover dead python in Middletown house

python-file-photo.JPG File Photo - Authorities found a dead python in a Middletown house Thursday.  

MIDDLETOWN Authorities are searching for two people after they found a dead python in a vacant George Street house Thursday.

Monmouth County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Chief Victor “Buddy” Amato said police were notified after a neighbor saw a door dislodged at a nearby house. Police did a well-being check and came across the dead python, which stretched more than four feet in length, he said.

The house did not have electricity, so the heat lamp where the animal was housed was off, Amato said, noting that pythons are tropical animals and need heat to survive.

Amato said they are looking for two people of interest. Authorities know the snake’s owner, and it was verified through their mother, he said.

The python was taken to the SPCA for analysis, and authorities are checking with the state's Division of Fish and Wildlife to determine if a permit is needed to own this type of snake.

The snake’s owner could face a disorderly persons offense, which carries a $1000 fine and a possible six-month jail sentence, Amato said.