Rise in number of exotic animals rescued in Lancashire

From the calls, 277 exotic animals and 241 fish were rescued, a rise on the 2017 total of 151 creatures and one fish.

The RSPCA doesn’t know why there has been an increase in cases, but officers believe owners do not do their research and don’t understand the type and amount of care the animals need, resulting in them being neglected, dumped or escaping.

One rescue last September involved a lost iguana (pictured) in a tree over a canal in Lancaster - requiring six RSPCA inspectors, members of a specialist water rescue team, and a local tree surgeon.

An attempt had been made to catch the escaped pet called Iggy after he was spotted in the tree over the canal on Sunningdale Crescent, Hest Bank, previously but the rescue was unsuccessful after he disappeared into the water.

RSPCA deputy chief inspector Carl Larsson said: “We couldn’t believe it when we got the call saying he was back in the cherry tree.

“Kevin Backhouse from Hortus - who kindly offered his services for free - attended and climbed up the tree and began to saw off branches, encouraging the iguana to move further out over the canal where four of us from the RSPCA water rescue team were waiting in the water with a tarpaulin and a net.

“When the iguana jumped and landed on the tarpaulin he tried to make his escape but luckily this time we were quick enough to catch him.”

The young male iguana was taken straight to a specialist exotics vet at The Veterinary Health Centre in Lytham St Anne’s for examination where he was found to be cold but in otherwise good health. He was then transferred to an exotics expert and the RSPCA tried to find his owner - which they did.

Exotics officer Inspector Kim Greaves said: “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.

"In some cases, we believe owners take them on simply because they believe they will be easier to care for than other pets, but it is essential that people research what is required in the care of their pet, from food, equipment, environment and vet care, before taking one on. We would also urge them to ask for help if they’re struggling to meet their needs.

“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, which has a team of specially trained exotics officers, rescued over 4,000 exotic animals in 2018, including more than 500 snakes, more than 300 turtles, 145 bearded dragons, five raccoon dogs and even four marmosets and one wallaby.