Snakes left in flytipped sofa

RESIDENTS OF a Calderdale village were shocked to discover 12 snakes had been dumped on a rural street.

The reptiles - which are believed to be royal pythons were found in the Thornhills Lane and Jay House Lane areas of Clifton near Brighouse.

The snakes are thought to have been dumped - along with a flytipped cream sofa - after reports of a white Mitsubishi pick-up that was seen in the Thornhills hamlet last week.

Several of the creatures were found by dog walkers and 12 were recovered, although sadly some have since died.

Royal pythons - also known as ball pythons - are native to Africa and are popular pets. They are nonvenomous, killing their prey by constriction, and can grow up to 182cm in length, making them the smallest African python species.

Sarah Tindal and her husband Chris, a biologist, rescued several of the snakes and took them to a vet for treatment after sightings were reported on their community Whatsapp group and neighbours in the hamlet rallied round to help.

“The first snake spotted was early on Thursday morning when I was on my way to work. A settee had been fly-tipped by the viaduct and as I drove past I saw what looked like a snake coming out of the wall by the settee,” said Sarah.

“I called my husband to come and take a look, but really I thought it was just a piece of fabric. It turned out to be a snake that seemed to be stuck. My husband pulled it out, thought it was dead and took it home. He placed it on the window sill and as it warmed up in the sun, it came round and we realised that it wasn’t dead at all. That snake was taken to a local college to be cared for by animal technicians.

“The next morning our neighbour called us to say there were four snakes up the road in a field by a layby. We, along with another neighbour who cares for animals, went up and placed them in pillow cases. One had an injury to its tail. “Twelve snakes were found, five have sadly died and the others are either at the vets or are being cared for.”

The incident has been reported to West Yorkshire Police and anyone with any information about the suspicious vehicle should contact the force on 101.