Snake Found in Woods

28 April 2011, 06:00 | Updated: 28 April 2011, 08:22

A seven foot boa contrictor's been found in a 'terrible condition' in woods in the Thames Valley.

The snake was found on Monday 25 April at around 6pm near Headington in Oxford. It was taken to a local vet where it was discovered it was in a poor body condition and has burn wounds on its skin. RSPCA officers tell us the snake has now died.

RSPCA animal collection officer Dennis Lovell said:

“We can tell from the condition of the snake that it has probably been kept in very poor conditions and it would have taken it a long time to get in to this state. The vet suspects the wounds are burns and this can happen as a result of poor husbandry where the snake may have been able to lay against/on the heating apparatus.Whoever has just dumped this snake is completely irresponsible. I would appeal to anyone who has any information about this snake to get in touch. Somebody must know of someone that kept a boa constrictor, as it is an unusual pet, and who may now suddenly not have one now."

Anyone with information is urged to call the RSPCA cruelty line on 0300 1234 999.