A boa constrictor has been put down after being found in appalling conditions in an abandoned box on a Nottingham street.
The box was found by a member of the public on Little John Walk, in St Ann’s, on Wednesday (March 1) last week.
The boa constrictor was confined to the box with the lid secure.
WARNING: Graphic image below which some may find upsetting
RSPCA inspector Laura Kirkham said: “The person who found the box opened it up and was very surprised to see the snake.
“Sadly, the snake was not in a good way as there was a very strong smell coming from it and it was also very lethargic.
“The snake had shed a skin inside the box and there was a dead gerbil in the water.”
The snake was examined by a vet who found that the reptile had a respiratory infection and an abscess of the head.
As a result of being very poorly, the snake was put to sleep.
Inspector Kirkham said: “Very sadly, many people buy exotic animals without thinking through the responsibility first and with little to no idea of how difficult they are to care for.
“The RSPCA sees many exotic pets just being dumped and left for dead, or given up, because their owners have got bored of them or don’t know how to care for them properly.
“Ultimately it’s the animal that suffers after the novelty wears off.”
Anyone with any information on the snake is asked to call RSPCA on 0300 128 8018 leaving a message for Inspector Kirkham.
