Divorced dad leaves 2 young sons at home with dangerous animals (Suffolk, Virginia)

Notice that dad EMMANUEL VALAZQUEZ had child custody and/or visitation rights with his 5- and 7-year-old sons--the ones he left at home alone with two pitbulls, a python, and lots of other creatures.

At least they reported that this guy was divorced, and that there was no mother in the home. The vast majority of the time, how or why the abused and/or neglected children ended up in Daddy's care is left a mystery, as Mom's existence is typically erased from the story.

Hat tip to G.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/43757596/ns/local_news-portsmouth_va/?gt1=43001

Child found home alone with 19 snakes
Charges against dad include contributing to delinquency of a minor
WAVY-TV WAVY-TV
updated 7/14/2011 1:37:16 PM ET 2011-07-14T17:37:16

SUFFOLK, Va. — A 28-year-old man was arrested and charged after allegedly leaving his child home alone with nearly two dozen dangerous animals in Suffolk.

Emmanuel Valazquez was charged with cruelty and injuries to children, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor, according to Suffolk police spokesperson Debbie George.

Valazquez's 7-year-old son called police to let them know that his dog was missing.

Police came to the house and found that the child was home alone with 19 snakes, one of which was a 14-foot Python, two bearded dragons, and two pit bulls. There were also feeder mice found in the home.

Police asked where the mother was in all of this, and he said they were divorced. Police said it is legal for the homeowner to have these animals.

George said days before the incident, the 7-year-old's younger brother, a 5-year-old, was found walking on Godwin Boulevard by a passerby.

Valazquez told police that the child had left the house while he was sleeping.