VETS have had to destroy one of a pair of abandoned royal pythons rescued by staff from West Somerset’s Tropiquaria Zoo.

The two snakes were found in a rural area near Honiton over the weekend and Tropiquaria handlers were called to collect them.

However, one was found to be suffering from a broken jaw and a head injury and had to be euthanised by White Lodge Veterinary Clinic, in Minehead.

A second, older, snake appeared fit and healthy, although cold and with small healed heater burns on its back, and was taken to Tropiquaria to be cared for.

Tropiquaria director Chris Moiser said finding the two pythons close together made it highly likely it was a case of deliberate abandonment of the animals.

Mr Moiser said: “This species is from sub-Saharan Africa, and to release them into the British countryside, particularly as autumn is coming on is a cruel and totally unnecessary act that would almost certainly lead to the slow death of the animals unless they were recovered quickly.

“In view of the remote location where they were found, it seems likely there was no intention they should be found.

“It is almost certainly a criminal offence under both the Animal Welfare Act, and the Wildlife and Countryside Act to release these animals under these circumstances.

“We do not know if the owner just released these two, or if there are other reptiles still out there.

“I know even responsible loving owners may not be able to continue to look after their animals because of the current economic climate and energy costings.

“But even so, there are organisations such as the National Centre for Reptile Welfare who will take them and re-home, and can often even arrange collection when the need is urgent and compelling.

“This makes the actions of this owner even more despicable, when just a few minutes’ research on the internet would have led to a satisfactory and humane conclusion.

“Fortunately, abandonment is very rare, the vast majority of responsible owners do re-home through rescue centres if they need to.

“It is the odd case like this that gives the animal rights groups the ammunition to call on the Government to legislate against the private keeping of exotic animals, when the great majority of owners are very responsible, care for their animals, and educate friends and family about their pets.”

Mr Moiser said many larger zoos would not become involved in such situations, but Tropiquaria took the view it should help where possible as part of its educational obligations.

He said: “Where our staff knowledge can help the local community, both human and other species, we should do what we can.

“In this case, doing so has realistically cost us several hours of staff time, on a limited budget, a few pounds in fuel, and a modest amount in vet bills.”

Devon and Cornwall Police has appealed for anybody who might have any information about the abandoned pythons to contact them by calling 101 quoting log 259 of 15/6/24.