Animal welfare groups reportedly seized more than 26,000 exotic animals on Dec. 15, 2009, from an Arlington, Texas-based company that sold animals over the Internet. The raid is being considered by some as the largest-ever animal seizure in the United States.

Authorities told the Associated Press that the animals found at U.S. Global Exotics’ warehouse were not fed properly, overcrowded and attacking each other. Many were reportedly found dead.

The company’s warehouse housed reptiles, rodents, spiders, sloths and hedgehogs, among other animals, according to reports.

Veterinarians were on hand during the raid to treat the most severely malnourished animals. In the days following the raid, 1,000 of the seized animals reportedly died.

The raid came after federal officials conducting an unrelated investigation asked Arlington Animal Services officials to investigate whether the animals were being mistreated, according to the Star-Telegram of Fort Worth, Texas. City officials then interviewed an individual affiliated with People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals who had worked undercover at U.S. Global Exotics, according to the report.

Animal cruelty charges were not immediately filed. Calls to U.S. Global Exotics seeking comment were not returned by deadline. <HOME>