Lizard severely burnt by tank lamp
The RSPCA has warned of the difficulties involved in keeping exotic pets, after an incorrectly heated tank caused severe burns to a pet lizard.
Two men have been convicted of cruelty after a male Bosc monitor lizard was found with a third-degree burn, which covered the majority of its back.
The 25 centimetre (10 inch) burn occurred when the lizard had been left in an incorrectly heated tank. He climbed nearer to the lamp for heat, but got too close.
Matt Gough, an RSPCA inspector, said: "The wound was really nasty – incredibly deep and long and would have caused this poor lizard to suffer.
"It just shows how much harm can come to a reptile if their owners don’t know how to care for them properly. A burn like this takes ages to heal. It took a whole four months to even form a scab and could be some time before it is completely back to normal."
Both defendants had failed to seek veterinary treatment for the burns while the lizard was in their care and admitted charges under the Animal Welfare Act.
The lizard's temporary owner received a two-year conditional charge and was made to pay £250 in costs, while the previous owner was made to pay around £1,500 in fines and costs.
Mr Gough commented: "What can be frustrating for us is that these kinds of wounds are so easy to avoid. If the tank had been heated properly and a lamp guard correctly fitted, he would not have felt the need to climb up to the heat lamp for warmth or been able to get close enough to injure himself."
The RSCPA explained that, as well as creating a suitable temperature gradient in the tanks, owners need to provide specific humidity, lighting and diet. The charity said it often finds owners don't anticipate how big reptiles will grow or how long they will live.
"Reptiles can be harder than people imagine to look after and many get a bit forgotten about sitting in the corner of rooms," added Mr Gough.
"We urge anyone thinking of getting such a pet to do their research properly and make sure they can provide for all their needs before taking the animal home."
Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.
