MILWAUKEE – The couple blamed for keeping hundreds of exotic reptiles in horrid conditions appeared together in court for the first time. Terry Cullen and Jane Flint sat next to each other Tuesday, but Flint’s attorney will push for a trial separate from Cullen.
Both are charged with animal cruelty, but Cullen faces more serious accusations of sexually assaulting a woman who wanted an internship.
Flint’s attorney contends it’s unfair to bring her into the assault case.
Prosecutors argue evidence overlaps and splitting the cases would waste resources.
Most of the reptiles are in the care of volunteers at the Milwaukee Area Domestic Animal Control Commission (MADACC), but prosecutors say they need a more permanent home. Some animals are the Racine Zoo and Wisconsin Humane Society.
“There is an urgent need for us to provide appropriate foster care,” said prosecutor Sara Lewis.
Questions linger over who actually owns the snakes, turtles, alligators and spiders. Cullen, Flint and their attorneys were recently allowed to see the animals at MADACC, but have not said publicly if will they fight to keep them.
“There remains animals we haven’t had an opportunity that we are asserting the right to view before they leave,” said Robert Dvorak, Flint’s attorney.
Some animals zoos loaned to Cullen have already been returned. Prosecutors want to place the rest in facilities certified by the American Association of Zoo Keepers (AAZK).
A judge is expected to make a decision in August the motion for separate trials.