Police say four children and more than a dozen pets, including two boa constrictors, were discovered living in squalor at a Queens apartment.
Officers responded to the Richmond Hill apartment on Sunday after receiving a call of a domestic dispute.
They say the children are between the ages of 7 and 11. They were placed in temporary custody of the city's Administration for Children's Services.
Police say 15 dogs, two boa constrictors and a lizard also were found.
A 29-year-old man was arrested for endangering the welfare of a child and cruelty to animals. The children's mother was taken in for questioning.
Copyright AP - Associated Press