The RSPCA is appealing for information after a large boa constrictor was left on a driveway on an Essex estate.
The six-foot-long snake was dumped inside a five-foot by two-foot glass vivarium, which was left on the side of Hamel Way in Widdington, near Saffron Walden, on Sunday, August 20.
The snake didn’t have any heat or light sources in the tank, her water bowl was empty, and she wasn’t found until around 6.30pm.
CCTV footage shows a man getting out of a blue/black car, taking the tank and snake within out of the back, and abandoning her on the side of the road.
RSPCA animal rescue officer Enola Evans was the one who rescued the snake from where she had been dumped, after which point the poor girl was taken to a specialist aquatic and reptile centre in Norfolk.
‘The boa had been left for a few hours in the cold as there was no heating or lighting in the vivarium,’ said Enola.
‘Despite that, she was in good condition. She was a really beautiful snake with vivid skin.
‘I have picked up a few snakes recently who were abandoned, but were sadly deceased.
‘These sorts of abandonments could be down to a number of factors such as the cost of living crisis and people not being able to take reptiles with them when they move homes – but there’s never any excuse to dump an animal like this.’
Snakes might look tough and scary, but they need a very particular kind of environment to stay alive.
This includes the right level of heating and lighting, as well as the right diet.
Enola said: ‘We are continuing with our inquiries into this abandonment, and we hope we can get more information as to who the owners of this snake are.
‘Anyone who has any information or Ring Doorbell/CCTV footage of the area should ring the RSPCA appeals line number on 0300 123 8018.’
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