AN APPEAL has been launched after a white snake was found in Caerphilly.
A member of the public found the snow corn snake on Saturday 31 October in a car park at Cae Nant Gledyr and contacted the RSPCA.
RSPCA animal collection officer Stephanie Davidson said: “We don’t know if this snake is an escapee or has been abandoned. There may well be an owner who is desperately searching for their missing pet snake.
She said anyone with information about the snake could contact the RSPCA on 0300 123 8018 and calls would be treated in confidence.
The snake appears healthy and will be transferred to an exotics specialist. If the owner is not found it will be rehomed.
A spokesman for the RSPCA said they were experiencing widespread neglect of exotic animals across England and Wales. He added: "For many people an exotic animal represents too much of a commitment which is shown by the growing number of exotic animals being abandoned and handed to animal centres around the country. Releasing an exotic reptile into the wild will cause them to suffer as they cannot produce their own body heat. It is also illegal under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
"We are urging potential owners to thoroughly research what is required in the care of the exotic animal before taking one on, as potential owners need to make sure they can give their animal the environment it needs and they have the facilities, time, financial means and long-term commitment to maintain a good standard of care, as required under the Animal Welfare Act 2006."
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