Toddler Found Locked Inside Dog Cage Near ‘Several’ Snakes In Tennessee Home

An animal rescue operation in Tennessee led deputies to a toddler locked inside a dog cage in a room "with large snakes".

Deputies with the Henry County Sheriff’s Office on Thursday (June 25) responded to a home with several outbuildings near Dale Cemetery Rd. in Buchanan. The officials were at the home as part of an animal rescue operation when they located a child, reported to be under 2 years old, locked in a cage in a room where there were "several large snakes".

The child was found covered in filth but was unharmed. The toddler was rescued and was in the custody of the Department of Child Services.

"I want to reassure the public that law enforcement is working very diligently right now to investigate this case, and to make sure no further tragedy occurs," District Attorney Matt Stowe told NewsChannel 5.

According to local media reports, more than 100 animals found inside the home in deplorable conditions were rescued by the officials. It wasn't clear if the rescued animals included the snakes that were found in the room. The authorities also confiscated several guns and marijuana plants.

Three suspects involved in the incident were taken into custody. According to Stowe, the suspects in custody were the child's parents and a grandparent. However, the details about the charges imposed on them were unavailable at the moment.

"In our community children are treasured. They're treasured very highly and the slightest allegation that one may be in danger causes a large number of people to spring into action. We're going to investigate this and every allegation of child abuse extremely closely," Stowe said.

This was an ongoing investigation and no further information was available at the time.

"I think that this case serves as an important reminder that you just really never know what may being on in the house next door or just a little further down the street and just paying attention and if you see something involving children or animals that causes you concern pick up the phone and report it to law enforcement so we can investigate. Because you never know. You could save someone’s life," Stowe concluded.