More snakes dumped in city
A pillowcase filled with 16 snakes has been discovered just days after bags of pythons were left in almost the same spot outside a Sunderland fire station.
Last Thursday, 13 royal pythons were found inside two Buzz Lightyear pillowcases inside a bin behind Farringdon Community Fire Station in North Moor Lane.
Now officers at the station have expressed shock after a second collection of snakes was discovered inside the bin, this time with 15 corn snakes found inside one pillowcase and a male carpet python found in another.
Photographs from the animal charity show how one of the pink pillowcases had been taped closed and then secured shut with a cable tie.
The pillowcase was found in a bin near to where the 13 royal pythons were discovered inside two pillowcases on Thursday. Sadly one of the snakes found last week died.
The snakes, discovered on Saturday, were rescued by inspector Heidi Cleaver and taken to a vet before being moved to a specialist reptile centre for further care.
She said: “Having heard about the other poor snakes being abandoned earlier in the week, I couldn’t believe it when the call came through to say there had been even more snakes found in the exact same spot.
“These snakes had been left inside the bin so they were incredibly lucky they didn’t end up in landfill.
“It is really concerning to think that someone has had around 30 snakes or more which they have decided to abandon in this cruel and callous way.
“We were in the midst of Storm Dennis at the weekend when these snakes, who need heat and light in order to survive, were left outside in the cold with just a pillowcase to contain them.
“It would have been very stressful for the snakes to be in such close proximity to each other as well.
“We are now renewing our appeal for information and are extremely keen that anyone with any information about this gets in touch with us on the inspectorate appeal line on 0300 123 8018.”
On finding the first batch, Kevin Burns, the Farringdon Community Fire Station Manager, said: “Probably one of the strangest incidents we’ve ever had to deal with.”
The RSPCA is urging people in the area to stay vigilant in case there are more snakes dumped in the same spot.