More than 300 chinchillas removed from home

Officials in Waukesha, Wisconsin, removed more than 300 chinchillas from a home that’s being described by authorities as “unlivable.” Police were called out to the home on Sunday for a welfare check. Law enforcement and Humane Animal Welfare Society (HAWS) crews worked to remove the chinchillas.



At least two dozen of the animals are reported to have been dead. Crews described a high level of ammonia in the home, likely due to the number of animals that were being kept there. “Initially when we got in there, there were elevated ammonia levels from all the urine inside the house from animals,” Mark Sweet with the Waukesha Fire Department said.



Two adults and one child were at the home when crews arrived. Two other children also live at the home. “They were raising chinchillas in there. Our fire marshal deemed it not livable in there. The parents living there found other places to live. There was an adolescent child who has been placed with other family members for now,” Sweet said.



Officials say all family members who were living in the home appear to be in good health. Chinchilla fur is considered extremely valuable. The animal is now considered to be “critically endangered.” Possible charges will likely be reviewed by the District Attorney’s Office in the coming week.

With news video.