Terry Cullen raided

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Originally Posted by bsd13

What facts do you have to show anyone that they have somehow mishandled this incident, or lied, or obfuscated anything in regards to it?

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Like you, I have no facts.

Unlike you, I won't hang a man because someone in "authority" says I should.

You've convicted, hung, drawn and quartered this guy, who may or may not deserve such treatment, before you've got anything other than news reports.

That gives you the right to an opinion, but this wholesale "he WAS arrested BECAUSE..." when you have no facts to back it up is basically pandering to the crowd and quite possibly lying.

Are you consistently pre-mature in other areas of your life or is it limited to this incident?

If anyone here who I've seen on the forums taking pride in their animals and showing concern for their well being had police come in and confiscate their animals, get charged with neglect or not having permits.. I would give them benefit of a doubt and believe that there was some mistake.

Even if it was bsd. Yep. Even if I heard at a show or online that YOU had your animals taken away for neglect.. I'd still say "I doubt he'd do that." And I'd tell people that they should give a chance for the truth to be shown, rather than jumping to the conclusion that you were guilty of the charges. Why? Because I've seen postings from you that make me believe that you take good care of your critters and you wouldn't neglect or harm them.

I know you even LESS than I "know" Cullen, because at least I've met him in person once or twice at a show. But I would give you benefit of a doubt. Innocent people get charged with things all of the time.. and the media gets stuff wrong all of the time. If every person who had charges brought up was automatically guilty, we wouldn't need a court system.

Give the guy a chance to prove his innocence before you get the pitchforks and torchs out. I'm sure most people on here would give you that chance, why doesn't Cullen deserve that chance too?

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Originally Posted by wilomn

Like you, I have no facts.

Unlike you, I won't hang a man because someone in "authority" says I should.

You've convicted, hung, drawn and quartered this guy, who may or may not deserve such treatment, before you've got anything other than news reports.

That gives you the right to an opinion, but this wholesale "he WAS arrested BECAUSE..." when you have no facts to back it up is basically pandering to the crowd and quite possibly lying.

Are you consistently pre-mature in other areas of your life or is it limited to this incident?

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When did I say he was arrested? His "partner" was arrested and that is indisputable. She has also been released on $15,000 bond and not officially charged yet. If you missed the part about these not being my opinion, but various media reports that's not my problem. Read more carefully.

Where have I even stated my opinion about anything that has happened? Go ahead, point it out for me. I'll wait...

You can't, because I've not said stated any opinions about what Terry Cullen has or hasn't done, what he should or should not be charged with. I've said what the reports say and used some common sense.

For example I utterly dismiss the idea that PETA set him up by filing a false police report regarding a sexual assault to get officer to his location. Even if they had done something like that they didn't put the places in such disrepair that at least one of them was condemned.

But you know what, maybe you're right. Maybe it's a big conspiracy by the animal hating people from the police, fire, two zoos involved, miscellaneous city works, neighbors, and Wisconsin humane society. Maybe they're all out to get Terry Cullen... :weirdface

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Originally Posted by wolfy-hound

If anyone here who I've seen on the forums taking pride in their animals and showing concern for their well being had police come in and confiscate their animals, get charged with neglect or not having permits.. I would give them benefit of a doubt and believe that there was some mistake.

Even if it was bsd. Yep. Even if I heard at a show or online that YOU had your animals taken away for neglect.. I'd still say "I doubt he'd do that." And I'd tell people that they should give a chance for the truth to be shown, rather than jumping to the conclusion that you were guilty of the charges. Why? Because I've seen postings from you that make me believe that you take good care of your critters and you wouldn't neglect or harm them.

I know you even LESS than I "know" Cullen, because at least I've met him in person once or twice at a show. But I would give you benefit of a doubt. Innocent people get charged with things all of the time.. and the media gets stuff wrong all of the time. If every person who had charges brought up was automatically guilty, we wouldn't need a court system.

Give the guy a chance to prove his innocence before you get the pitchforks and torchs out. I'm sure most people on here would give you that chance, why doesn't Cullen deserve that chance too?

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If this was one little police department trying to malign one guy I could easily see dismissing their claims. But it's not. It's multiple people from multiple agencies and civilian businesses. It's his neighbors even. At some point you have to acknowledge at least that much.

I simply do not subscribe to the notion that this is some great conspiracy to bring Terry Cullen down. They kicked in his door to serve a warrant and found what they found. Can you give me one good, solid reason that they would lie and convince so many other people to lie about it as well?

I'm all for giving him a chance. It's the American way, let him have his day in court. Like I said I'll continue to withhold my opinion either in favor or against him until a decision is rendered in court or the legal officials decide not to pursue charges.

As far as me being accused of something, I would hope you would consider the evidence at hand. If my house was raided, 200 animals taken and the place condemned I hope that would be a major factor in your considerations. I've had the misfortune of being with a humane society that has had to clean up the mess from an animal lover who let things get out of control. It happens. Not all the time but it does. And I guess that's why unlike so many others on here I don't find this totally unbelievable. Because I've seen it first hand with cats, dogs, and livestock.

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Originally Posted by wolfy-hound

Innocent people get charged with things all of the time..

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I can personally attest to this.

Here is a article on police raids going wrong and animals being killed for no reason.They do make mistakes.

If this is happening then there should be some sort of procedure to change it. To just say hay thats what police do and is wrong.

http://wjz.com/pets/botched.raids.wjz.2.854006.html

I dont care what anyone says the law says, shooting 2 dogs with no real reason is just wrong, it doesn't matter if it's the government's fault or the officers. Isn't that why we have animal control??! :rage::taz:

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Originally Posted by Danounet

I dont care what anyone says the law says, shooting 2 dogs with no real reason is just wrong, it doesn't matter if it's the government's fault or the officers. Isn't that why we have animal control??! :rage::taz:

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On the one hand I agree completely with you.

On the other I can't say there was "no real reason" because I wasn't there for the raid. The Columbia Missouri swat raid had me absolutely livid, still upsets me, but once again I wasn't there to see if the dog that was shot and killed posed any threat whatsoever to any officers life or limb.

Columbia SWAT raid:

**link removed for language and content**

If you chose to watch that video can you say that the dog posed no threat whatsoever to any officer's life or limb? In criminal courts the officers are almost always cleared of any wrong doing when it comes to shooting an animal. Sad, but true.

Saw that video a week or so ago. It made me rage inside. :rage:

Thanks, but you missed my point anyways, If it is known that there are animals in there specially dogs, why not bring animal control along? Why are things done this way??

That post is going to get pulled.

The video doesnt agree with this site's TOS

Unless its been edited

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Originally Posted by 2kdime

That post is going to get pulled.

The video doesnt agree with this site's TOS

Unless its been edited

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Probably so. Regardless it is still a valid point.

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Thanks, but you missed my point anyways, If it is known that there are animals in there specially dogs, why not bring animal control along? Why are things done this way??

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Seriously? You want animal control on a SWAT team? What are they going to do?

"Stop everyone I need to restrain this dog with my pole. Hey Smith, could you help me out here? I know you're covering the door but it'll only take a minute... Ok guys keep going."

What swat team?? With a warrant??

YOU are talking about a video that has nothing to do with Cullen, you are mixing up 2 different issues here.

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Originally Posted by Danounet

What swat team?? With a warrant??

YOU are talking about a video that has nothing to do with Cullen, you are mixing up 2 different issues here.

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You asked why they didn't take animal control with them.

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If it is known that there are animals in there specially dogs, why not bring animal control along?

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I assumed your question was in a general sense why don't the police, when serving a warrant, have animal control with them.

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Originally Posted by bsd13

I assumed

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No facts necessary...

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Originally Posted by Danounet

I dont care what anyone says the law says, shooting 2 dogs with no real reason is just wrong, it doesn't matter if it's the government's fault or the officers. Isn't that why we have animal control??! :rage::taz:

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You nailed it! Don't worry though, the four foot alligator running free around the building was left unharmed.
I don't know about you but WTF! If I saw a 4 foot alligator I'm pretty sure I'd be a littlemore defensive toward that then the dogs.
Also, don't dogs bark? Knock knock knock, reply "woof woof" cops "ok boys get yur guns ready"

put yourself in his shoes... This guy is I'll out of state, he just heard he's been accused of sexual assualt I think? Just found out his two dogs were killed (this guys an animal lover) (wait two dogs and they get along with a 4 foot alligator?) see what I mean? I'll trust what Terry says until I'm proved wrong. But I have seen the news be wrong before. On a daily bases, on an hourly bases. (ball python is burm...) until they are charged I'll be on there side.

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Originally Posted by wolfy-hound

Even if it was bsd. Yep. Even if I heard at a show or online that YOU had your animals taken away for neglect.. I'd still say "I doubt he'd do that." And I'd tell people that they should give a chance for the truth to be shown, rather than jumping to the conclusion that you were guilty of the charges. Why? Because I've seen postings from you that make me believe that you take good care of your critters and you wouldn't neglect or harm them.

I know you even LESS than I "know" Cullen, because at least I've met him in person once or twice at a show. But I would give you benefit of a doubt. Innocent people get charged with things all of the time.. and the media gets stuff wrong all of the time. If every person who had charges brought up was automatically guilty, we wouldn't need a court system.

Give the guy a chance to prove his innocence before you get the pitchforks and torchs out. I'm sure most people on here would give you that chance, why doesn't Cullen deserve that chance too?

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AAAAAmen Sister...... Give the man his day.... Let him speak his peace... None of us have the right to judge him unless they've been selected for jury duty.... I've got opinions, you've got opinions, we've all got opinions.... but unless it's been heard by a judge it's just opinion... an it don't mean squat...

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Originally Posted by MarkS

AAAAAmen Sister...... Give the man his day.... Let him speak his peace... None of us have the right to judge him unless they've been selected for jury duty.... I've got opinions, you've got opinions, we've all got opinions.... but unless it's been heard by a judge it's just opinion... an it don't mean squat...

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I fail to see how anyone is judging the guy. Everything stated has been based on the reports. Could they be wrong? Sure. They probably are. But time will tell in which "direction" they are wrong.

Regardless, I still maintain that you wouldn't see zoos, police, fire depts, humane societies, miscellaneous city workers and the guys neighbors conspiring against him at the behest of peta.

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Originally Posted by Jeremy78

You nailed it! Don't worry though, the four foot alligator running free around the building was left unharmed.
I don't know about you but WTF! If I saw a 4 foot alligator I'm pretty sure I'd be a littlemore defensive toward that then the dogs.
Also, don't dogs bark? Knock knock knock, reply "woof woof" cops "ok boys get yur guns ready"

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An alligator isn't likely to chase down an officer. A dog defending it's home is very likely. Which means an alligator poses very little risk to life and limb in comparison with a dog in this kind of situation.

When it comes to self defense human limbs are always considered more valuable than animal life. The only exception that I'm aware of is a police k9 in the performance of official duties and following commands. Sucks but it's true.

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Originally Posted by bsd13

I fail to see how anyone is judging the guy. Everything stated has been based on the reports. Could they be wrong? Sure. They probably are. But time will tell in which "direction" they are wrong.

Regardless, I still maintain that you wouldn't see zoos, police, fire depts, humane societies, miscellaneous city workers and the guys neighbors conspiring against him at the behest of peta.

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We're all judging the guy whether you like it or not... It's human nature to judge... Whether or not we're correct in our judgment is left up to the legal system... And thankfully none of OUR opinions matter unless they're heard before a jury. And yes, it's very possible that you could see zoo's, police, fire departments, humane societies conspiring against him. NOT because they're against Terry, but because they are government agencies that are expected to 'fall in line' because if they don't they might find their funds slashed by the powers that be...

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Originally Posted by bsd13

An alligator isn't likely to chase down an officer. A dog defending it's home is very likely. Which means an alligator poses very little risk to life and limb in comparison with a dog in this kind of situation.

When it comes to self defense human limbs are always considered more valuable than animal life. The only exception that I'm aware of is a police k9 in the performance of official duties and following commands. Sucks but it's true.

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I'm sorry but i find this horrible. They had absolutely NO right killing those dogs. Unless it is life or death why did they have to barge in. And if they didn't barge in then why didn't the woman (sorry I forget er name) lock them up? Makes no sence to me.
You don't find it a tad bit suspicious that these dogs were living with a 4 foot alligator and getting along? News makes no sence, twists things around, not one to be trusted.
And in a case like this isn't it proper for the police to find absolutely any charge they can hold a person with so that they have a hold of them? So they can't run or get away? Hence the suspician of cruelty or w/e?
There's a lot of ways around it,(killing the dogs) we don't know half of the story. All we have to go on is half baked news reports.

The cops had a warrant which does indeed "allow them" to go barging in. That's what warrants do.. otherwise, cops would have to stand politely outside a suspect's home and hope he decided to come out nicely.
When the cops went in, if the two mastiffs were behaving in a aggressive manner, yes the cops are within their rights to shoot the dogs. While a lot of mastiffs are big sweethearts, some are protective, especially when a group of strangers comes running in. Again, the cops can't just say "Well, there's a couple 200 lb dogs here, we can't go get the guy we're arresting."
Not having been there, or seen video tape explicitly showing the confrontation, I can't say whether the cops paniced and shot the dogs or did so only when they felt truly threatened, but they do have that right to protect themselves when they are serving a warrant in the process of their sworn duties.

Whether the warrant was justified only falls on the judge and accusers, not the cops.

I believe the place they found all the animals was more than one story, so it's possible the alligator and the dogs were on seperate areas, with the alligator contained in some manner to a certain room or rooms.

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Originally Posted by wolfy-hound

The cops had a warrant which does indeed "allow them" to go barging in. That's what warrants do.. otherwise, cops would have to stand politely outside a suspect's home and hope he decided to come out nicely.
When the cops went in, if the two mastiffs were behaving in a aggressive manner, yes the cops are within their rights to shoot the dogs. While a lot of mastiffs are big sweethearts, some are protective, especially when a group of strangers comes running in. Again, the cops can't just say "Well, there's a couple 200 lb dogs here, we can't go get the guy we're arresting."
Not having been there, or seen video tape explicitly showing the confrontation, I can't say whether the cops panicked and shot the dogs or did so only when they felt truly threatened, but they do have that right to protect themselves when they are serving a warrant in the process of their sworn duties.

Whether the warrant was justified only falls on the judge and accusers, not the cops.

I believe the place they found all the animals was more than one story, so it's possible the alligator and the dogs were on seperate areas, with the alligator contained in some manner to a certain room or rooms.

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Thank you for that post. Everyone is crying and blaming the cops for killing those dogs and what they fail to see is they were not there and have no clue what happened. I've worked in narcotics control and have been charged at several times by dogs that were "total sweethearts" and I've been bitten before. If a dog charges you and you feel threatened human nature is to react, not wait and see if it's simply running up to lick you. Since I do really care about animals my first instinct is to reach for pepper foam, but I can't say that's always the case.

This whole thing is a terrible, terrible event and I do hope the facts get sorted out in the end. I can say that I am willing to bet my pay check there are MANY, MANY facts, charges and claims the general public has no knowledge of in this case.

However, if the warrant had ANYTHING to do with animal welfare at all, then shooting the dogs was 100% inappropriate.

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Originally Posted by WingedWolfPsion

However, if the warrant had ANYTHING to do with animal welfare at all, then shooting the dogs was 100% inappropriate.

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The warrant had nothing to do with any animals whatsoever for any reason as far as anyone knows. It was a search warrant for that location in connection with some kind of sexual assault. Animals had nothing to do with the warrant.

They accuse Terry of animal abuse and they're going to kill every last reptile they have confiscated. Did you watch the video of when they were taking the animals? Everyone had coats on and they were loading the reptiles into the back of a big truck...No heat for them. Most of them probably are already in the first stages of respiratory infection.

New article:

MPD defends its care of exotic animals

By Ryan Haggerty of the Journal Sentinel

Posted: May 19, 2010 |(63) Comments

The Milwaukee police lieutenant leading the investigation into last week's discovery of more than 250 reptiles found living in squalid conditions said Wednesday that the animals are being kept in safe locations and are receiving proper care.

The man who was responsible for the animals, Terry Cullen, said in an interview Tuesday that he had been told most of the animals are being kept in unheated city garages. He said cold weather can harm the animals.

"To me, the utter cruelty is beyond belief," Cullen said of the treatment of the animals since they were discovered.

"It's a patent lie," police Lt. Paul Felician said of Cullen's comments. "It's not true. (The animals) are in much better condition than they were when we (found) them."

Most of the animals, ranging from boa constrictors and anacondas to alligators and crocodiles, were found last week in a house in the 3400 block of S. 17th St. and a building at 2323 S. 13th St.

Hundreds of mice and rats blanketed the basement floor of the building, where more than 200 of the animals were kept, according to a police report released last week.

Most of the animals were kept in tanks or horse troughs, according to police and others who were inside the building. Many animals were unable to turn around because the containers in which they were kept were too small and filled with waste, according to an arrest report released last week.

"Dead animal carcasses were in close proximity to live animals, and animal waste was observed throughout the residence," according to the report. Mold and fungus were growing "on a vast majority of the animals," the report says.

Felician said all the animals have been cleaned and have been well-fed since they were removed from the house and building. Reptile experts from area zoos and other institutions have examined all the animals, he said.

No animals have died since they were removed, and the animals that were in the worst shape are beginning to improve, Felician said. Authorities hope to find safe, permanent homes for the animals, he said.

"We want to make sure that they go to places that can appropriately care for them," Felician said.

Police have not said where the animals are being kept because they consider the animals to be evidence. However, three crocodiles and an alligator snapping turtle are being housed temporarily at the Racine Zoo.

The building on S. 13th St. where most of the animals were found is listed in tax records as the location of a nonprofit organization called Cullen Vivarium Wildlife Conservancy Inc.

Cullen is listed in the tax records as the organization's president and director. His girlfriend, Jane E. Flint, is listed as the organization's secretary and treasurer.

Flint, 50, was arrested May 12 on suspicion of mistreating animals and violating regulations regarding endangered or threatened species. She was released Friday from the Milwaukee County Jail after posting $15,000 bail, according to jail records. She has not been charged.

Cullen has not been arrested. He said in an interview Tuesday that he is in the Milwaukee area, but police spokeswoman Anne E. Schwartz said investigators do not know where Cullen is.

Cullen has not contacted police, Schwartz said.

Prosecutors could begin reviewing the case later this week, Milwaukee County Deputy District Attorney Kent Lovern said.

The case began last week when officers investigating a sexual assault complaint found the reptiles at the house on S. 17th St., which is owned by Flint, and the building on S. 13th St.

Officers shot and killed two dogs while executing a search warrant at one of the addresses, Schwartz said.

Police haven't identified the target of the sexual assault investigation.

The investigation into the reptiles spread to a third location Monday, when police found the carcasses of an alligator and a snake in a house in the 3300 block of S. Kinnickinnic Ave. that is listed in court records as Cullen's residence.

Search warrants executed during the investigation have been sealed.

Cullen said Tuesday that he has devoted his life to animal conservation. He has kept reptiles for years, has spoken at conventions for people who keep reptiles and has consulted with several local agencies that work with reptiles, including the Wisconsin Humane Society.

call me blonde but this doesn't make sense....

Flint, 50, was arrested May 12 on suspicion of mistreating animals and violating regulations regarding endangered or threatened species. She was released Friday from the Milwaukee County Jail after posting $15,000 bail, according to jail records. She has not been charged.


How can you be arrested on suspicion of mistreating animals and yada yada....have to post bail....but yet not be charged with anything. I can see be taken in for questioning....but why do you have to post bail when you have not been charged??

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Originally Posted by BPelizabeth

call me blonde but this doesn't make sense....

Flint, 50, was arrested May 12 on suspicion of mistreating animals and violating regulations regarding endangered or threatened species. She was released Friday from the Milwaukee County Jail after posting $15,000 bail, according to jail records. She has not been charged.


How can you be arrested on suspicion of mistreating animals and yada yada....have to post bail....but yet not be charged with anything. I can see be taken in for questioning....but why do you have to post bail when you have not been charged??

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Ive been debating that myself as well. I always thought you had to be charged for those events to take place.

Ok i had this video sent to me from utube.It seems they DROPPED ALL CHARGES on the lady they arrested and NO charges are being sought on Terry.So here it is from viperkeeper. YouTube - Terry Cullen.mpg

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Originally Posted by bsd13

The warrant had nothing to do with any animals whatsoever for any reason as far as anyone knows. It was a search warrant for that location in connection with some kind of sexual assault. Animals had nothing to do with the warrant.

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Well the warrant was bogus in my opinion now.Since the video i supplied confirms that NO charges either sexual nor animal cruelty are being sought against ANYONE.So now what do you have to say? :rolleyes: I suggest everyone write the mayor at the email addy viperkeeper supplies and make him aware WE DO NOT like what happened to Terry :mad:.

At this point till we hear more from Mr Cullen himself or the others directly involved I'd just like to offer my humble advice to those who choose to email Milwaukee's mayor. Alot of us have been sent enough letters to understand emotion and accusation get you no where even if you are in possession of all the facts. Please, please tread carefully with these letters because even as it looks suspicious and many people know and respect Mr Cullen we simply dont know right now. A bunch of angry letters from reptile enthusiasts could easily be turned to reflect poorly on us in this touchy situation.
Personally I'm going to wait to write anything to anyone untill I have more information on what actually happened.

You know, that viperkeeper guy, is a load of crap.

He is no better than the guy who wanted to hang Terry from the get go. He has no facts, just more speculation.

There may or may not be charges coming, you notice he says "as far as we know, as far as is known," but makes no definitive statements.

He's also, instead of looking for reasons, fanning the flames over the dogs being killed. While that is a tragedy, it's not the main point of this confiscation.

I'll keep holding off on jumping on ANY bandwagon until there is something more than an email from someone saying something that no one can as yet verify.

Personally, if it were me, and that fat load of crap viperkeeper was vouching for me, I'd ask him to shut the heck up.

I hate to put it this way, because I would love to hear all charges were dropped.. but who is viperkeeper? Just some random guy on the internet? I admit, I didn't listen to his whole video, because frankly the long pauses were driving me batty and once he started about the "terrorist tactics" of the police serving the warrant, I quit listening. Right at the beginning when it shows him using a bare hand to open a venomous rack with a hot striking at him.. sorry! No watchy stupid hot keeper tricks!

Is he some authority? DId he quote a official source that we can confirm? If HE heard this from some official source, it should be available, right?

Wilomn, I'd rep point you, but I gotta spread some love first apparently. Agreed totally, I wouldn't want that guy on my side, just from the couple minutes I listened to.

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Originally Posted by wolfy-hound

I hate to put it this way, because I would love to hear all charges were dropped.. but who is viperkeeper? Just some random guy on the internet? I admit, I didn't listen to his whole video, because frankly the long pauses were driving me batty and once he started about the "terrorist tactics" of the police serving the warrant, I quit listening. Right at the beginning when it shows him using a bare hand to open a venomous rack with a hot striking at him.. sorry! No watchy stupid hot keeper tricks!

Is he some authority? DId he quote a official source that we can confirm? If HE heard this from some official source, it should be available, right?

Wilomn, I'd rep point you, but I gotta spread some love first apparently. Agreed totally, I wouldn't want that guy on my side, just from the couple minutes I listened to.

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He was quoteing a lady(forgot her name but its in the video) on info she sent him

So he was quoting a third party? Who's the third party? Is SHE official or was she talking from another third party(fourth party?)? Info sent to him? Is he an official PR guy for Cullen? Or did he get some email forwarded from some woman who might have written it or might have gotten it as a forward.. etc?

I'd want more definitive word before embarking on a potentially embarrassing email flood to an official who MIGHT be considering leniancy or stepping in to correct some wrongs, but would get irked over a bunch of angry letters of people telling him what he SHOULD or MUST do. Just me, though.

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Originally Posted by wolfy-hound

Just me, though.

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I think not my Lizardkeeping friend, I think not.

I am a big fan of viperkeeper personally, I love his videos and he's actually very knowledgeable and responsible. Personally I don't see why you guys are bashing him. It's really not cool. No offense meant but he's a good guy I am sure your both cool to. No reason to flame a good guy like viperkeeper.


It's awful what happened to terry. I hope he and his animals are okay :(

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Originally Posted by Seru1

I am a big fan of viperkeeper personally, I love his videos and he's actually very knowledgeable and responsible. Personally I don't see why you guys are bashing him. It's really not cool. No offense meant but he's a good guy I am sure your both cool to. No reason to flame a good guy like viperkeeper.


It's awful what happened to terry. I hope he and his animals are okay :(

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Actually, he's not.

This is not the place to go into it.

I don't know viperkeeper from Adam's housecat.. I just don't believe that any responsible hot keeper should START his videos with a great close up shot of him opening a hot bin with a bare hand so that the snake is striking at his bare hand. It's irresponsible. Other than that, I don't agree that police coming into a place to serve a warrant is "terrorist tactics" just because they were going after someone who keeps reptiles(assuming that Cullen is the one in the warrant, which they never confirmed). He's not very good on the video as a "public speaker", and combined with the irresponsible behavior in the first minute, the ranting against safe police tactics, and the FACT that he is not any authority or official spokesman for any of the involved parties, I'm not inclined to listen to him.

If you like him, wonderful for you. I didn't see much redeeming in the few minutes I watched though. At any rate, in this particular circumstance, he's merely repeating rumor as far as I can see.

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Originally Posted by wolfy-hound

I don't know viperkeeper from Adam's housecat.. I just don't believe that any responsible hot keeper should START his videos with a great close up shot of him opening a hot bin with a bare hand so that the snake is striking at his bare hand. It's irresponsible. Other than that, I don't agree that police coming into a place to serve a warrant is "terrorist tactics" just because they were going after someone who keeps reptiles(assuming that Cullen is the one in the warrant, which they never confirmed). He's not very good on the video as a "public speaker", and combined with the irresponsible behavior in the first minute, the ranting against safe police tactics, and the FACT that he is not any authority or official spokesman for any of the involved parties, I'm not inclined to listen to him.

If you like him, wonderful for you. I didn't see much redeeming in the few minutes I watched though. At any rate, in this particular circumstance, he's merely repeating rumor as far as I can see.

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He's not captain charisma but the warning on his video and all the lunges are to show people that even experianced HOT keepers have close calls.


Hey it's a free country and you guys are more than welcome to your opinions. I am a big fan, I just don't think flaming is necessary. Wolfy and wilo you know I respect you two and I don't want any hard feelings. I hope you both don't lose respect for me either


Anyway thats not what this thread is about. My prayers to terry and his animals.

Has anyone heard anything new :confused:

Now he's being charged with sexual assault and kidnapping!?!? WTH is going on?

LINK to STORY

"Terry Cullen turns himself in to police in connection with Milwaukee exotic animal case
May 26, 4:26 PMMilwaukee City Buzz ExaminerCherie Burbach

Terry Cullen, president of the Cullen Vivarium Wildlife Conservancy at 2323 S. 13th Street, turned himself in to Milwaukee police today. Police were first called to the building to investigate a sexual assault complaint. What they found were over 200 exotic animals being held in less than ideal conditions. In addition to the exotic animals, there were also "hundreds of mice and rats" along the entire floor of the building.

The animals included over 24 boa constrictors and 12 crocodiles. Cullen's girlfriend, Jane E. Flint, is also connected with the Conservancy and was arrested for mistreatment for animals on May 12th, when police first made the grisly discovery. She posted $15,000 bail and was released.

Cullen Arrested for Sexual Assault and Kidnapping

Cullen was arrested in connection with the original investigation, and booked on "two counts of sexual assault and one count of kidnapping," according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. He was released shortly after turning himself in today. Charges for both Cullen and Flint are expected tomorrow.

For raw video of neighbors reactions to Terry Cullen's arrest, check out TMJ4."

How Odd.

What the heck.....

Charged with 2 counts of sexual assault and 2 counts of kidnapping and then released? Guess Milwaukee is the place to go if you're into kidnapping...

Doesn't make much sense....

Self-described reptile expert Terry Cullen, whose collection of snakes, crocodilians and turtles were seized by Milwaukee police earlier this month, was charged Thursday with trapping and sexually assaulting a woman in his fetid south side home.

Cullen, 60, also was charged with a dozen counts of animal abuse and violations of endangered and exotic species regulations.

An associate of Cullen, Jane E. Flint, 50, was charged with seven counts of animal abuse and violations of endangered and exotic species regulations.

According to a criminal complaint:

Cullen met a 24-year-old woman in February at a reptile swap south of Chicago. Cullen, who had brought with him a crocodilian named Mooshu, told the woman that he represented Cullen Vivarium Wildlife Conservancy and agreed to interview her for an internship in Milwaukee.

The woman lives in a small community near Chicago. About a week later, the woman's mother drove her to a restaurant on Milwaukee's south side, where the woman met with Cullen.

As the mother sat at another booth, Cullen spoke to the woman about an internship, then shifted the conversation to personal matters. He told her he had been born on a small island and had gone to medical school, where he specialized in gynecology. He was unable to finish school, he said, because an abusive father burned his dissertation. The complaint notes that medical students do not typically write dissertations.

The woman's internship began Feb. 27.

Her mother dropped her off at a south side restaurant, and Cullen picked her up. Before she began work, the woman told police, Cullen had her sign various contracts in which she promised she was not a member of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals or a PETA spy. She also promised not to reveal where he lived.

Cullen took her to his home, which is in the 3400 block of S. 17th St., and showed her five large anaconda snakes in basement tubs. After a dinner in which he touched her and told her, according to the complaint, that intimate relationships "have no boundaries," he took her to a building in the 2300 block of S. 13th St.

According to tax records, the building on S. 13th St. is the home of Cullen Vivarium Wildlife Conservancy Inc. Cullen is listed as the nonprofit's president and director. Flint, who lives in the building, is listed as the organization's secretary and treasurer.

Cullen showed the 24-year-old woman four large dogs that he said were tamed wolves. While using a filthy bathroom, the woman told police, she was startled by a free-roaming crocodilian.

The woman told police she was scared and, being unfamiliar with Milwaukee, did not know where she was. Cullen took her back to his house on S. 17th St., which he told her was in an extremely dangerous neighborhood. She told police she sat down on a mattress in what seemed like an office area and began to cry. Cullen, the complaint says, turned down the lights, lighted candles and assaulted her.

The woman told police Cullen insisted she stay the night, and he drove her home the next day, the complaint says.

The woman did not report the assault until earlier this month.

Milwaukee police, responding to the sexual abuse allegation, searched the S. 13th location on May 12.

"Investigators were overcome by a strong and putrid odor of urine, feces and decomposing animals," the complaint says.

More than 200 animals, most of which were exotic reptiles and many of which were protected or considered endangered species under federal and state law, were removed.

The carcasses of dead animals intermingled with live animals, the complaint says. Mice and rats cannibalized each other. Turtles had mold growing on them, according to the complaint. Some crocodilians inhabited tanks so small that their snouts were pushed against the glass.

Investigators found a wading pool filled with dirt that appeared to be used for breeding crocodilians.

Besides the counts related to animals, Cullen also is charged with one count of second-degree sexual assault, one count of third-degree sexual assault and one count of false imprisonment.

After an initial appearance hearing Thursday, Cullen's attorney, Stephen Glynn, adamantly denied the sexual assault charges.

"That's a flat not-guilty," Glynn said.

"That's a: 'I am not guilty. I did not do this. I will go to trial on it. I've got nothing to do with that.' "

Glynn also defended Cullen's work with animals.

"This is a guy who has spent his life dealing with these kinds of animals," Glynn said.

"He's got a local, statewide, national and even international reputation for doing good things with these creatures. He's never been involved in the sales of these animals. He's never been involved in their exploitation. He's involved in educational stuff."

What a load of crap! :mad: This lady says she was raped in Feb but did not report it until MAY :weirdface.How many ways can i say BULLCRAP :mad:

Joe, Don't be so quick to call BS. Many sexually assaulted victims do not even report the crime. Some take months or years to report it.

I don't know about you but I know nothing about his personal life or if this is true or not. I suspect you don't really know either ;)

I guess we will just have to see what the court decides.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Kaorte

Joe, Don't be so quick to call BS. Many sexually assaulted victims do not even report the crime. Some take months or years to report it.

I don't know about you but I know nothing about his personal life or if this is true or not. I suspect you don't really know either ;)

I guess we will just have to see what the court decides.

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You are right i dont know him personally.I find it hard to believe though he "rapes" her then she stays the night.Then he drops her off for her mom to pick her up.Then 3 months later she cries rape :confused:.I would think she would say something the minute her mom picked her up.It would not shock me if she found out he has money and will ask for some "hush" money to drop charges.

I am going to keep this short so I don't rant.

Many rape victims don't report the assault. It is not like a mugging or even being carjacked. There are a LOT of people that say "It was your fault" or "you deserved it" or other malicious things to the victim of rape that they would never say to a person mugged.

What surprises me is that she had the courage to come forward at all, not that it took her so long to.

I think we should wait to pass judgment on the rape and assult charges till we know more.

Did he do it? I don't know. It is obvious he was up to shady things, so what would be one more to him?