Snake dumped outside reptile centre

The orange snake was abandoned at the bottom of the driveway at the Proteus Reptile Centre in Catholic Lane, Sedgley, where it is being cared for until a new home is found.

It is thought to be male and around six months old and was dumped at the centre last week.

Staff were alerted to the box when a cat that lives at the centre became interested in it.

Amy Taraski, who works at the centre, said: "He was sniffing around and tapping the box.

"It was good that we found him when we did otherwise he might have come to some harm."

Although the dumping of pets is more associated with cats and dogs, Amy said it is not uncommon to find reptiles left at the centre.

"We have had animals dumped in bags and shoe boxes. Sometimes people get bored.

"It's a fad, they might buy it for their kids' birthday and then they realise they need a heated set up and rather than finding somewhere they just dump it.

"We would rather owners kept their animals but if they don't want them they can bring them in rather than dumping them. It could harm the animal or it could die because it got too cold.

"There is no need to dump them, the owner has the responsibility."

The snake will go into quarantine for the next few weeks to ensure it is healthy and is eating properly before a new owner can be sought.

But the latest addition to the centre joins a queue of snakes looking for homes.

Amy said: "We have quite a few youngsters looking for homes. There are at least 24 young ones and we have 60 or 70 big corn snakes."

The snake is beginning to settle in to life at its temporary home, even if a little shook up.

Amy said: "He's a little bit stressed at the moment but we are seeing how he gets on."