'Never acceptable': Large box of snakes found dumped outside vet

A large box of snakes was randomly dumped outside a vet in one of the most bizarre drop-offs a clinic has ever received.

The box contained nine corn snakes, and according the RSPCA, the snakes were “lucky they were found when they were" and were dehydrated, yet in a seemingly reasonable condition.

Avon and Somerset Police were called to the clinic in Frome, England, after midnight to deal with the surprise deposit.

Police tweeted about the incident, referring to it as “an odd shift”.

But local wildlife authorities were quick to condemn the person responsible.

“All of the snakes are in reasonable condition despite being dehydrated,” RSPCA inspector Hayley Lawrence said.

“It is never acceptable to dump an animal. If people are struggling to look after their pets, there are many charities and organisations who are able to help.

“Reptiles have very specific needs such as heating and it is lucky these snakes were found when they were.”

The RSPCA explains that snakes are ectothermic, which means they rely on their environment to maintain their body temperature.

“If a reptile becomes too cold they may be unable to feed or move normally and their immune system will not work properly to fight disease, meaning the animal can become very ill,” the RSPCA press release said.

If an owner neglects to come forward within 14 days, the snakes will be re-homed.

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