Mystery as second pillowcase of snakes found outside fire station
‘It would have been very stressful for the snakes,’ says RSPCA inspector
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Your support makes all the difference.Sixteen snakes have been dumped outside a fire station just days after 13 royal pythons were left in the same spot.
The first batch of reptiles were discovered in Sunderland on Thursday after a member of the public spotted movement inside a Buzz Lightyear pillowcase.
They were taken to a vet but one of the snakes later died.
Then on Saturday a further 15 corn snakes and one male carpet python were found in two pink pillowcases left inside a bin behind Farringdon fire station.
The snakes were rescued by RSPCA inspector Heidi Cleaver and taken to the vets.
“I couldn’t believe it when the call came through to say there had been even more snakes found in the exact same spot,” said Ms Cleaver.
“These snakes had been left inside the bin so they were incredibly lucky they didn’t end up in the landfill.
“It is really concerning to think that someone has had around 30 snakes or more which they have decided to abandon in this cruel and callous way.”
Snakes are unable to produce their own body heat and rely on their environment to maintain their body temperature.
“We were in the midst of Storm Dennis at the weekend when these snakes, who need heat and light in order to survive, were left outside in the cold with just a pillowcase to contain them,” said Ms Cleaver.
“It would have been very stressful for the snakes to be in such close proximity to each other as well.”
The RSPCA is appealing for information from anyone who might know about the snakes.
Additional reporting by Press Association
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