Abandoned exotic pets proving problematic
The Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA) has reported a dramatic rise in the number of animals of an exotic nature being taken into its rescue shelters alongside more conventional pets.
The charity reports that it has cared for 43 snakes, seven amphibians and 48 other reptiles over the last year. All were found abandoned and brought to a centre for care or were handed in after being declared unwanted by their owners.
The charity believes that a key factor is the greater than usual burden of care and expense involved in looking after an exotic animal. Commenting on the news, SSPCA Chief Inspector Fiona Greig said: "Often a lot of it's down to financial burden, people just can't afford to look after them the way they should be.”
Expanding on the nature of the problem, she added: "I think they maybe buy them on a whim and then when they get them they realise how much expense is actually involved, whether it be through buying the initial set-up or the actual feeding costs and husbandry costs.”
She added: “Some of them are very specialist and if you neglect to get the specialist equipment, whether it be the UV light or the feeding, it can affect husbandry, you're going to then lead into health problems which is then going to be quite a large financial burden for you.”
The SSPCA's Glasgow Centre alone is currently caring for a Royal Python, a Chinese Soft-Shelled Turtle and a baby Cornsnake that appears to have entered a house through an air vent and was found on a kitchen floor by the surprised home-owner.
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
