AN appeal has been made by the RSPCA to find out who is responsible for dumping a pet snake like rubbish in a quiet layby near Stratford.
A member of the public made the shocking discovery when they pulled into the layby to make a telephone call and saw a box-shaped item covered in a sheet in The Ridgeway, Stratford next to some other fly-tipped rubbish.
They lifted up the sheet and found a vivarium with a three foot-long corn snake inside.
They reported their discovery to the RSPCA and Animal Collection Officer (ACO) Richard Carr was called to the scene at lunchtime on Tuesday, September 11.
He said: “The sheet covering the snake was soaking wet and it had rained in the night so I believe the snake was left sometime the day before. Obviously snakes need a warm climate so the reptile could have died if it wasn’t discovered when it was.
“There was a water bowl in the vivarium but this was dry which was also a concern – however the snake appears to be doing well now it is in the care of the RSPCA, thankfully.
“Sadly this is not unusual for us to be called to collect an abandoned snake. We believe people are unaware of how much of a commitment these animals are, and once they grow in size they can no longer cope.
“I would appeal for anyone with information to call the RSPCA appeal line on 0300 123 8018.”
The route is a popular one as it’s on the road to the Burton Farm waste recycling centre used by residents across south Warwickshire, including Studley and Alcester.
The RSPCA is dealing with increasing numbers of abandoned exotic pets.
Nicola White, Senior Scientific Officer for the RSPCA Wildlife Department, added: “Many people buy exotic pets with no idea of how difficult they are to care for.
“Ultimately it is the animal that suffers after the novelty wears off. Sadly, the RSPCA sees many exotic pets just being dumped and left for dead because their owners have got bored of them or don’t know how to care for them properly.
“We do find that people take on exotic animals like reptiles without researching their needs or having any idea of how to care for it properly. They then end up injured, sick or even dead just because their owners either didn’t have the money or knowledge about how to care for them.”
For more information about keeping exoctic pets check the RSPCA advice at here
