Man finds seven foot boa constrictor on doorstep!
Abandoned pet is being monitored by exotics expert
A HATHERN resident had quite a shock after he returned home to find a 7ft boa constrictor on his doorstep.
The man was parking his car on his drive in Doble Crescent, Hathern, when he noticed an unusual item by his front door.
On closer inspection he realised it was a vivarium with an old shoebox inside - and coiled up in the box was the large snake.
He carried the vivarium - which was inadequate in size for the reptile and provided no heat - into his home to help warm the reptile and called the RSPCA.
Inspector Sarah Gardner went to the scene, on Sunday, October 1, and took the abandoned animal to a veterinary practice for treatment.
The non-venomous snake was found to be too cold and lethargic. There were concerns he may have had a virus but following treatment he is now doing well.
Inspector Gardner said: “It is certainly unusual to find a 7ft snake by your front door so I think it did come as a bit of a shock to the man.
“The snake wasn’t in the best of health due to the conditions he was left in but I am pleased to say he is now well on the road to recovery.
“It was lucky the snake was found when they were or they could have perished in the cold.
“I believe people are unaware of how much of a commitment these animals are, and once they grow in size they can no longer cope. It is so sad that they are just dumped when people who are struggling to cope could simply call us for help and advice.
“I would appeal for anyone with information as to who is responsible for dumping the snake to call the RSPCA appeal line on 0300 123 8018.”
The abandoned pet will now be monitored by an exotics expert before being re-homed.
Stephanie Jayson, senior scientific officer from the RSPCA’s wildlife department, added: “Many people are unaware of how much of a commitment these animals are when they take them on, which we believe may be why we are rescuing hundreds of reptiles every year.
“In 2017 the number of abandoned reptiles collected by RSPCA officers was 392. Abandoning a reptile or releasing unwanted exotic pets into the wild is cruel and illegal.
“Most exotic animals kept as pets are unlikely to be able to survive in the wild in Brit- ain and non-native species could pose a serious threat to our native wildlife. It is illegal under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) to release, or to allow to escape, any species that are not normally native to the UK.
“We recommend that prospective owners of reptiles thoroughly research the needs of the particular species and what is required in the care of the animal, using expert sources, and only consider keeping one if they can ensure they are fully able to provide for these needs.
“he needs of reptiles can be challenging to meet by members of the public because they are just the same as they would be in the wild and are fundamentally linked to certain behaviours, diets or environmental conditions that can be difficult to replicate in a home.”