A major animal charity said that rising energy prices could be causing owners of exotic animals to abandon their pets.
After a North Yorkshire beach town’s bin was filled with a pair royal pythons, the RSPCA issued a warning.
Scarborough’s stricken serpents and another one found in a nearby area of grassed were discovered this week.
A spokesperson for the RSPCA stated that they were “prepared for a surge of abandonments” due to rising electricity bills.
North Yorkshire Police discovered the three binned snakes Wednesday, and the third the following day after earlier sightings at Falsgrave.
A spokesperson stated that the animals, which are more likely to die by constriction than poison, were now in good health and being looked after by an expert.
PC Graham Bilton, a wildlife crime officer, stated that it was alarming that three large non-native serpents had been left without any consideration for their welfare.
He stated that the RSPCA was involved in the operation and would be happy to talk to anyone who might know the owner of the snakes or the circumstances that led to their being dumped.
A spokesperson for the RSPCA stated that many people don’t realize how much commitment these animals require, such as using electricity to heat their homes.
The spokesperson stated that “we are prepared for a surge of abandonments once higher electricity prices start landing on peoples’ doormats.”
According to the charity, most exotic pets (including reptiles) require a controlled environment that includes 24-hour lighting and heating.
The spokesperson said that many exotic pets can live for decades and this makes it a long-term commitment for the owner.
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