04 October 2000



Abandoned Lizards Strengthen RSPCA Campaign

The RSPCA is urging local authorities to tighten controls on the sale of exotic pets after two blue-tongued skinks were abandoned in a pile of rubbish in Lincolnshire.

The skinks, a type of lizard, were left in a woven plastic sack, tied at the top, and dumped in a high street car park in South Witham. They had no food or water and were lying in their own excreta.

The reptiles, around eight inches long, were found by a passer-by who saw the sack move and called the RSPCA. It is believed the skinks, most probably unwanted pets, had been left overnight.

RSPCA animal collection officer Justin Stubbs said: "Whoever abandoned these skinks was dealing them a death sentence. These animals need warm conditions with some moist areas and UV light, so it's a miracle they survived through the night."

Lincolnshire RSPCA Inspector Andy Bostock said: "It's time local authorities clamped down on unscrupulous pet shops and traders who put profit before animal welfare." "Exotic animals have specialized needs and generally don't make good pets. All too often they are bought for novelty value by someone who has no idea what they're taking on. Inevitably many suffer in the hands of inexperienced owners."

The rescued skinks are recovering with an exotics expert.

The RSPCA is campaigning for tighter pet trade controls following a boom in the number of unwanted or abandoned exotic animals. The RSPCA wants annual veterinary inspections for pet shops, restrictions on the number and species of animals sold in pet shops, a ban on exotic pet fairs and a ban on the selling of pets to unaccompanied youngsters under 16.

Between October 1998 and 1999 the RSPCA successfully prosecuted 68 pet shop owners and staff, compared with 26 in the previous year. During the same period neglect and cruelty convictions involving exotic animals rose from 58 to 126.

Source RSPCA