SSPCA in snake rehoming plea after rise in numbers

ANIMAL welfare chiefs are appealing for homes for snakes after a sharp rise in the number it has taken in at one centre over the past year.

Tanya the rat snake is among the snakes needing new homes. Picture: SSPCA/PA

The Scottish SPCA’s Drumoak centre in Aberdeenshire has cared for 80 of the reptiles so far this year, compared to 14 in 2013 and 13 in 2012.

Staff at the centre are currently caring for 34, ranging from tiny baby corn snakes to a Taiwanese beauty rat snake, boas and pythons.

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It is not known why there has been such a large increase, although snakes are said to be great escape artists.

The charity is now keen to find homes for the creatures.

Senior animal care assistant Jacki Bell said: “The majority are corn snakes which were found as strays and never reclaimed.

“Others were sadly abandoned and some have also arrived after their owners could no longer offer them the care they needed.

“Unfortunately we seem to struggle to rehome exotics animals in this area, especially corn snakes. This is a real shame as corn snakes are generally quite docile and easy to handle.

“They may be a good option for someone interested in exotics who hasn’t owned a snake before.

“That said, we would certainly urge anyone thinking of taking on a snake to do their research before committing to one.”

She added: “While snakes aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, they can make excellent pets for owners who will appreciate them and meet all their needs.”

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