WARNING: This post contains images that some may find distressing.
AN appeal has been launched by the RSPCA after the body of a snake was discovered dumped in a fishtank in Wokingham yesterday morning.
The grim discovery was made by a member of the public in an alleyway opposite Norreys Avenue at around 8.30am on Tuesday.
The adult red and orange corn snake was approximately 3ft in length.
RSPCA exotics officer Phil Hamilton said: “This poor snake was in really bad condition. It was very thin, and had been left in the tank laying on dirty bedding, and with a small bowl of water. At the moment we don’t know if it died in the tank before it was dumped, or sadly died after being left.
“Either way, we’re keen to hear from anybody who has any information. This was a fairly large fish tank that the snake was found in and would have most likely taken two people to carry it, so we’re hopefully somebody saw something and can let us know. They can call us in confidence on 0300 123 8018.”
He added: “This snake is sadly one of many reptiles we’ve been called to, having been dumped or abandoned. Exotic pets can be difficult to care for properly and are too much of a commitment for many people.”
Before taking on a reptile a potential owner needs to research the needs of the particular species thoroughly and ensure that they can meet them at all times, and for its entire life. Reptiles can be challenging and expensive to care for; the animal may grow very large, live for a long time, become aggressive or require a licence or other paperwork to be legally kept or sold. They have the same needs as in the wild, which must be met in captivity by law under the Animal Welfare Act.
