Animal rescuers have been deluged with snakes ditched by owners who are struggling with the cost of living crisis.
The Scottish SPCA reports that its centres are packed with large snakes which owners have given up because of the cost of lighting and heat to keep them alive.
It’s feared some were dumped or left to die by owners instead of seeking a new home.
In January, the bodies of three boa constrictors were found next to bags of rubbish at a fly-tipping spot at Carbeth Loch in Blanefield, near Glasgow.
SSPCA chief superintendent Mike Flynn said, “We are concerned that with the rise in energy bills from the cost of living crisis, we are going to see an increase in reptiles coming into our care.
“We are caring for 58 snakes across our nine animal rescue and rehoming centres.
“These animals are often overlooked, and due to the heating and lighting costs associated with keeping exotic animals we understand why people may be more wary now about rehoming them.”
He added: “We’d hate to think incidents like this are the result of people being unable to afford food or vet care for their animals.
“If anyone is looking for a new animal companion, or knows someone who is thinking of taking on a pet, we’d really encourage them to consider adopting.
“The vast majority of the snakes we get in are smaller, popular pet species like corn snakes and ball pythons.
“It could be that people don’t realise we rehome animals like snakes so they don’t know to contact us when looking for a new pet.
“We’d love exotic animal keepers to consider adopting an animal from us. Not only will you be getting a fantastic new companion, you’ll be giving a second chance to an animal that really deserves it.”
Tracy Green, the senior animal care assistant at the SSPCA’s rehoming centre in Dumbarton, said the facility currently has 121 animals, including seven snakes.
She said: “We have two large boa constrictors and five royal pythons, which are beautiful animals but which also take a lot of looking after.
“We fear that some large exotic pets, which need extra care with lighting and heating, may be getting abandoned and there is also a difficulty in rehoming the ones we do get, for the same reasons.
“Anyone in difficulty should contact us instead of doing something awful with a pet.”
Tracy said boas Senga and Buddy are kept in a constantly heated room, which could cause issues for some owners in times of high heating costs.
She added: “The same concerns arise with dogs, cats and smaller animals, as people struggle to pay for food and bedding. We have taken in rabbits, ferrets, parakeets, tropical fish, rats and mice.
“Providing a vivarium for large reptiles involves know-how to customise it to a home.
“So there are stresses out there but we hope these ease.”
● Anyone struggling to care for an exotic pet or who wishes to adopt one should call 03000 999 999.
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