Family "heartbroken" after baby snake stolen during break-in

A family in Abbotsford is heartbroken after the unusual theft of their baby snake, Maize.

According to the Abbotsford Police Department (Abby PD), Maize’s family went away for a few days. When another family member came to check on their pets, the home had been broken into and Mazie, along with her 20-gallon tank, had been stolen.

(Abbotsford PD)

Maize’s owners, Kristie Johnson and Chris Rhodes, say that their children, ages six and eight, were devastated by the news.

“Maize was not just a family pet; she was the first pet that we brought into our new family,” explains the couple in a police statement. “The children were heartbroken when they found out she was gone.”

(Abbotsford PD)

Johnson and Rhodes also note that in addition to Maize being a baby, she has very special dietary and care needs.

“Those who do not know how to help may wind up hurting her,” they say.

Anyone with information about this incident or the whereabouts of Maize is asked to call the Abby PD at 604-859-5225 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.