RSPCA Essex appeal after boa constrictor left on driveway

CCTV footage handed to the animal charity shows a man getting out of a blue or black car and taking a large vivarium containing the six-foot-long snake from the back of the vehicle before leaving it on the side of the road.

The unheated and unlit vivarium, measuring five foot by two foot, was left on the side of Hamel Way in Widdington, near Saffron Walden, on Sunday August 20. The water bowl was also empty.

Despite being abandoned the reptile was in good health when she was found at around 6.30pm.

The large tank (Image: RSPCA)

RSPCA animal rescue officer Enola Evans rescued the snake from the location and she was taken to a specialist aquatics and reptile centre in Norfolk.

“The boa had been left for a few hours in the cold as there was no heating or lighting in the vivarium. Despite that she was in a good condition and she is a really beautiful snake with a vivid coloured skin,” said Enola.

“I have picked up a few snakes recently who were abandoned, but were sadly deceased. These sort of abandonments could be down to a number of factors such as the cost of living crisis and people not being able to take reptiles with them when they move homes - but there’s never any excuse to dump an animal like this.”

Snakes are completely reliant on their owners to provide the correct environment for the species, the RSPCA warns, including heating and lighting and an appropriate diet.

People who are struggling to meet their animal’s needs are urged to ask for help, rather than abandoning them. 

The animal rescue officer added: “We are continuing with our enquiries into this abandonment and we hope we can get more information as to who the owners of this snake are.

“Anyone who has any information or Ring Doorbell/CCTV footage of the area should ring the RSPCA appeals line number on 0300 123 8018.”