6ft boa constrictor found in 'dumping ground for snakes' on quiet country lane
Villagers in Shropshire have been left shocked after the RSPCA revealed a nearby country lane in is being used as a dumping ground for snakes.
The charity warned people of the situation after a 6ft boa constrictor was found on the B5062 near Roden on 17 September.
The snake, which was found bleeding and with a broken jaw, was retrieved by the animal charity.
The discovery, which comes after the body of another dead snake was found, prompted the RSPCA to warn that the area could be being used as a place to dump unwanted exotic pets.
The RSPCA said it was contacted after two motorists found the boa constrictor and blocked it in with their cars before calling the police, who then closed the road.
RSPCA inspector Claire Davey, along with the charity’s animal rescue officer Rachel Ward, attended the scene and they managed to contain the snake in a large duvet cover using a specialist pole with a hook.
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The boa, which was bleeding from its jaw and was seen coughing up blood after it is believed to have been hit by a car, was taken to a vets and given pain relief but died later that night.
The RSPCA believes both reptiles were deliberately abandoned in the area and said they believe the country lane is being used as a place to dump unwanted pets.
Davey said: "Normally when we get a call like this we find the snake has been misidentified and it's actually a small native species, so we were very surprised when we arrived and saw a six-foot boa constrictor on the road.
"It’s very sad that this beautiful creature’s life ended like this.
"Sadly we think this snake was probably abandoned as it’s a very isolated location and there are no houses around for at least a mile.
"The discovery of the body of another snake close by also leads us to believe that someone has deliberately left them.
“Unfortunately these sorts of incidents are not unusual; we receive hundreds of calls every year relating to reptiles, and some of these have either escaped or may have been abandoned by their owners.
"Sadly snakes and lizards often end up in our care as some owners don’t realise the commitment that is involved in meeting their needs.
"For example, an adult boa constrictor can grow up to 13-feet long and live for over 20 years in captivity, which is why we always urge people to do their research before taking on any exotic animal as a pet."
Residents in the area were left horrified by the news.
One local wrote on social media: "Is it just me or is this freaking anybody else out? I don't want live 6ft snakes slithering around the village."
Another added: "This is literally the stuff of my nightmares. My skin is crawling just thinking about it."
One said: "This really isn't funny. I'm concerned for my kids and dog. These animals can attack."
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