Appeal after decomposing snakes dumped in plastic box

A member of the public made the grim discovery on Saturday morning (September 12) on Kesteven Road, Stamford, near to the junction of Willoughby Road. The plastic 18-litre box was inside a blue Ikea carrier bag.

RSPCA inspector Becky Harper said: “These two snakes appear to be corn snakes. The larger one of the two was decomposed and I believe it had been dead for at least a week, while the smaller one appeared to have been dead for around two days.

“Sadly there were also a handful of snake eggs in the box which were rotten and mouldy.

“The box was lined with newspaper however it was so sodden with rotting fluid that I was unable to make out the date on it.

“It’s so sad that these snakes were dumped like this - at this time we have no idea as to the specific cause of death, although they appeared to have no injuries or wounds. To be dumped somewhere so public is shocking as a lot of children walk past this area every day and it would have been horrifying if any of them had come across this.”

The bodies have been taken to an RSPCA centre for storage while the charity appeals for information.

Becky said: “We’re grateful that we were contacted about this. I am keen to hear from anyone who saw someone with a blue Ikea bag in the area on Saturday morning, or anyone who knows who these snakes belong to. Anyone who has any information should contact us in complete confidence on 0300 123 8018.

“We’d also like to remind people to dispose of dead pets correctly as leaving them in public like this can be very upsetting for anyone who finds them.

“We always encourage people to take their pets to a vet if they feel something is wrong.”

Snakes have complex needs and the RSPCA urges people to think carefully before taking one on as a pet. For more information on caring for snakes, visit the RSPCA’s website.

The RSPCA is continuing its vital work rescuing animals during the Coronavirus crisis. To help the RSPCA keep rescuing animals and keep our animal hospitals and centres running for emergency treatment and round the clock care through these unprecedented times, please donate whatever you can spare at www.rspca.org.uk/covid.