The RSPCA has released its annual statistics today, which has revealed that more than 300 exotic animals were rescued last year in Nottinghamshire.
More than 300 exotic animals were rescued last year in Nottinghamshire, new figures show.
The RSPCA has released its annual statistics today, which revealed that members of the public in the county contacted the charity about an exotic animals 302 times in 2018.
Just one of the cases the charity responded to was a white knee tarantula which was found dumped in a park bin by a shocked dog-walker in Acorn Avenue, Giltbrook.
The white knee tarantula - the size of a hand - can bite, but its main defence method is by flicking hairs - called ‘urticating setae’ - upwards from their abdomen, which can cause irritation to eyes and skin, or to the respiratory tract if inhaled. This one was taken in by a specialist reptile keeper, but the person who dumped the tarantula was never traced.
RSPCA inspector Teresa Potter said: “There was also a broken tank in the bin, so whoever dumped this spider just carelessly tossed the spider and their home in this bin without any thought for their welfare.
“These tarantulas live in a warm and humid environment in the wild and need the same provided in captivity, to meet their needs and keep them healthy.”
The RSPCA believes the reason behind some of the suffering of these exotics pets is that owners do not do their research and don’t understand the type and amount of care that they need, resulting in them being neglected, dumped or escaping.
Stephanie Jayson, RSPCA Senior Scientific Officer for exotics, said: “Although their numbers are small compared to more common pets, we have real concerns about the welfare of reptiles and other exotic animals kept as pets in this country.
“Reptiles and other exotic pets are completely reliant on their owners to meet their welfare needs, including requiring the correct levels of heat, light and humidity, plus an appropriate diet. Many of the animals we’re called to help are found stray outside, where they can very quickly suffer in the cold.
“These animals are commonly found for sale in pet shops and are advertised online. At least in the past, animals have often been handed over to buyers with little or no information about how to care for them properly, although new regulations in England should improve this.
“We believe that people may buy them with little idea of how difficult they can be to keep and the animals are sometimes neglected when the novelty wears off and the commitment hits home. This is why we would encourage anyone thinking of getting an exotic pet to find out as much as possible about the animal’s needs and whether they’re the right pet for them.”
The RSPCA rescued over 4,000 exotic animals in 2018, including more than 700 snakes, more than 300 turtles, 145 bearded dragons, six raccoon dogs and even four marmosets and one wallaby.
The charity received a total of 15,790 calls about abandoned, stray, sick, suffering and neglected exotic reptiles, mammals, birds and fish, more than 40 a day in England and Wales, or more than one every hour.
To report a case of animal cruelty, contact the RSPCA's cruelty line on 0300 1234 999.
