Albino reticulated python sent by post
Image - www.generalexotics.com
A live albino reticulated python measuring approximately eight feet long has been found by an X-ray machine during a routine check at Stansted Airport before it was due to be loaded onto a plane. The snake had spent approximately eight hours in the postal system before being detected and an indeterminate amount of time in its cardboard box prior to being posted in Harlow. The intended destination of the package was Exeter.
The snake had been purchased online and it is believed that the seller neglected to observe the Royal Mail's ban on the transport of live animals by post. The snake was found to be unhurt and was sent to a local wildlife centre pending collection by a specialist courier hired by the intended owner.
Commenting, RSPCA Inspector Steve Reeves said "It may sound strange, but it would have been easy to miss the fact that there was such a large snake in this parcel. It was just curled up and was very still - so the mailmen picking up the parcel would have had no reason to know what was inside. All the machine picked up was that there was something organic in the shape of a snake - so they must have got quite a shock when they opened up the package. It makes you wonder what could go undetected."
Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.
