PALMYRA, MO. -- A Palmyra man was fined $300 last week nearly a month after police found several species of snakes, alligators and other exotic animals in his home.

The investigation into Brandon Boyles began Jan. 30 when the Palmyra Police Department received an anonymous tip that he was keeping more than 30 different species of exotic animals in his home.

An investigation uncovered poisonous pit vipers, cobras and black mamba snakes inside Boyles home. He also had caimans, alligators, scorpions and spiders, Chief Eddie Bogue said. The St. Louis Zoo assisted local law enforcement in documenting the various types of animals in the home.

“You can't call the humane shelter,” Bogue said. “There are not many places, none in Northeast Missouri, where you can take these kinds of animals."

A city ordinance forbids the keeping of certain snakes, caimans, alligators and other animals that are deemed dangerous. However, Bogue said that residents in Marion County can keep such animals in their homes if they register them with the county.

Boyles had a Feb. 22 court date where he pleaded guilty to violating the city ordinance. He was ordered to pay a $300 fine.

Bogue said the animals are now in the care of a friend who lives outside the city limits.