Owner of cat eaten by snake calls for law change

Wilbur, a four-year-old tabby, was devoured after straying into a nearby garden in Brislington, Bristol, where the Burmese python was lurking.

The cat's owners, Martin and Helen Wadey, heard "blood-chilling cries" and rushed to the neighbouring property to help. But after getting no reply from the house, they were powerless to save Wilbur.

The snake's "huge bulge" was eventually scanned and RSPCA officers confirmed that micro-chipped remains were inside. An RSPCA inspector later issued the snake's owner, Darren Bishop, with a verbal warning about appropriate housing and care requirements.

The Wadeys are now calling for a change in the law so that pythons are officially classed as dangerous animals, requiring a licence.

Martin Wadey, 44, writing on his website "Justice for Wilbur" said: "We don't know whether Wilbur stumbled across the snake and it was an opportunistic kill, or if the snake was actively hunting him, but either way, we heard the terrified scream that came from Wilbur and the subsequent blood-chilling cries as he fought for his life.

"Then in less than a minute, all was silent. He never stood a chance against a creature over 13 times his weight with such immense power."

Many owners underestimate pet snakes' "wild instincts", Wadey said. He added: "Because of that Wilbur's little life was brutally snuffed out."

Pythons, which usually feed on birds and small mammals, wrap themselves around their victims. They can be bought as pets for around 100. Last month a two-year-old girl was reportedly crushed to death by an 8ft Burmese python.

The Wadeys want to introduce a "Wilbur's amendment" to the Dangerous and Wild Animals Act and are petitioning No10. An RSPCA spokeswoman said of owning a snake:

"Potential owners need to consider diet, appropriate environment and housing, how big it will grow, how long it will live and any health issues."

Bishop was unavailable for comment.