A rhino iguana. Shutterstock / Phongsakorn Supaphan Shutterstock / Phongsakorn Supaphan / Phongsakorn Supaphan

A YOUTH HAS been charged with stealing exotic animals which were on display at a library in Dublin.

The 17-year-old boy appeared at the Dublin Children’s Court today accused of stealing a rhino iguana valued €1,600, a Mexican red knee tarantula which cost €85 and an Asian forest scorpion that was worth €65 from the Lucan library on 21 July last.

A Mexican red knee tarantula. Shutterstock / Master1305 Shutterstock / Master1305 / Master1305

He is also accused of attacking a male garda sergeant as well as a male garda and a female garda on the same date at the two locations nearby on the same date.

His reply to the theft charge was “I gave the stuff back” while he responded “no” when the assault charges were put to him.

The youth, who was accompanied to court by his mother and his solicitor, was granted free legal aid and ordered by Judge John O’Connor to appear again later this month.

He has not yet indicated how he will plead.

An Asian forest scorpion Shutterstock / Ronnachai Palas Shutterstock / Ronnachai Palas / Ronnachai Palas

Comments have been closed as the case is before the courts.

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