Thousands of reptiles left at risk as cruelty and neglect calls increase

The number of calls the RSPCA receives per year has increased putting thousands of exotic pets at risk of cruelty and neglect.

Every year thousands of calls are taken from members of the public about exotic pets and the number involving reptiles in particular has risen. In 2015 the RSPCA investigated 2,772 calls received about reptiles – a 50 percent increase from seven years ago.

The top five reptiles that the RSPCA collects are bearded dragons, cornsnakes, royal pythons, terrapins and leopard geckos.

In a bid to try to combat the neglect of these special animals the charity has released a number of care videos backed by wildlife expert and TV presenter Chris Packham to help members of the public look after their exotic pets better.

Chris said: “The problem is that these animals have exactly the same requirements as they have in the wild when they are in captivity so meeting all their needs is actually quite a challenge. Sadly the RSPCA is experiencing an increase in the number of calls to their cruelty line about exotics and even worse – that many are just being abandoned.”

RSPCA exotics officer Inspector Anthony Pulfer said: “The RSPCA is experiencing widespread neglect of exotic animals and we are urgently trying to change this.”
For more information please visit www.rspca.org.uk/exotics