Animals rescued from poor living conditions in Mo.

CALLAO, Mo. (AP) -- A theft investigation in northern Missouri leads to the rescue of more than 200 abused animals, including chinchillas, alligators and baboons.

Macon County Sheriff Robert Dawson said his office began investigating a scrap metal theft in Macon that led them to 43-year-old Daniel Lee's house in Callao.

There, Dawson said, sheriff's deputies found chinchillas, baboons, peacocks, dachshunds, llama and even two alligators, all in poor living conditions. The animals were taken away by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Missouri Department of Agriculture and the Sheriff's Department.

Lee relinquished all rights to the animals.

He has been charged with one count of animal abuse and one felony count of theft. His bond is set at $10,000.

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Information from: Macon Chronicle-Herald, http://www.maconch.com/