A "dumped" snake suspected to be a pet has suffered cuts from being outside and has now been taken in by a pet shop.

The shop C&T Exotics took in the snake on Monday, October 10, when a member of the public caught it after it had been spotted under a car earlier in the week.

Social media was awash with comments on Tuesday, October 4, when pictures were posted on Facebook of the snake in Kytes Road, Garston.

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Toni Lambert, who is a co-owner of the pet shop that now has the snake, said: “We were called out yesterday when a gentlemen said he had found the snake.

“He said when he first saw it lots of people were around the car and no one was willing to pick the snake up because they were too scared.

“He tried to get to it earlier but was unable to.

“But yesterday he saw the snake again near his house and this time was able to catch it and he called us.”

Miss Lambert confirmed the snake was a royal python and would not harm anyone.

She said: “They are a popular pet.

“They are a shy species, not aggressive or dangerous at all.”

Watford Observer: The snake was first spotted a week ago. Picture: Terry Hay The snake was first spotted a week ago. Picture: Terry Hay (Image: Terry Hay)

There is no confirmation on how long the snake was out in the public, but snakes can go for weeks or months without feeding, said Miss Lambert.  

She added: “His scales are quite hard, which means he has probably been out for some time – maybe a month.

“The snake is in good health but has got scratches and open wounds that will eventually heal.”

She continued: “The likelihood is that he is a dumped pet because of the cost-of-living crisis.

“Last week we took in a bearded dragon when a lady found it dumped in her bin.

“Reptiles do not cost as much as people think.

“If people are struggling, they can come to us, we are here as a support network.”

The shop will keep the royal python for 14 days and if no-one comes forward to claim it, the snake will be re-homed.

C&T Exotics can be contacted at https://www.candtexotics.co.uk/.

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