30 August 2023 , 19:39
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A six-foot-long boa constrictor was rescued after it was found abandoned in a quiet village.
The reptile was so big it was blocking a driveway before the RSPCA swiftly intervened to rescue the large snake. It was discovered inside a sizeable grass tank and unceremoniously dumped on the side of Hamel Way in Widdington, a quaint village near Saffron Walden, Essex.
The tank was left deserted on Sunday, August 20th. A local resident provided CCTV footage to the RSPCA, revealing a man alighting from a blue or black car and removing the glass tank from the vehicle's rear before abandoning it roadside.
It was found abandoned in its tank (EssexLive / BPM Media)Shockingly, it lacked any heating or lighting sources, and the water bowl was found empty. Despite these harsh conditions, the snake was fortunately in good health when discovered around 6.30pm. It was subsequently transported to a specialist aquatics and reptile centre in Norfolk.
RSPCA animal rescue officer (ARO) Enola Evans rescued the snake from the location and the animal was taken to a specialist aquatics and reptile centre in Norfolk.
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"The boa had been left for a few hours in the cold as there was no heating or lighting in the tank. Despite that, she was in good condition and she is a really beautiful snake with vividly coloured skin," Enola commented.
She added: "I have picked up a few snakes recently who were abandoned but were sadly deceased."
The abandonment of pets, particularly reptiles, is on the rise, potentially due to factors such as the cost of living crisis and the inability of owners to relocate with their pets. However, Enola points out, "There's never any excuse to dump an animal like this."
Despite their tough exterior, snakes are entirely dependent on their owners for survival, requiring specific environmental conditions, including appropriate heating, lighting, and diet, to stay healthy and exhibit natural behaviour.
Enola, an animal welfare advocate, told EssexLive: "We are continuing with our enquiries into this abandonment and we hope we can get more information as to who the owners of this snake are."
The RSPCA are appealing for anyone with information to contact them. Anyone possessing information or Ring Doorbell/CCTV footage that could assist in the ongoing snake investigation is urged to contact the RSPCA appeals line at 0300 123 8018.
The public is urged to seek help if they struggle to meet their pet's needs, rather than resorting to abandonment. The cost of living crisis poses a significant challenge to animal welfare and organisations like the RSPCA. The charity's recent Animal Kindness Index indicates that 81 per cent of pet owners find it increasingly expensive to care for their pets, with 23 per cent expressing concerns about feeding them. Reports of abandoned animals are also escalating alarmingly.
Recent statistics reveal a disturbing trend - 2,047 cases of animal abandonment were reported to the RSPCA in June alone, marking the highest number for any month this year. This figure represents a staggering 34 per cent increase from the 1,527 cases reported in June last year.
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