A PAIR of dead boa constrictor snakes were found dumped in Pinehurst.

Now animal charity the RSPCA is appealing for any information that could help uncover who dumped the reptiles - each up to six foot long - beside garages on Pinehurst Road.

The charity says it has seen a growing number of exotic pets abandoned by their owners.

Steph Daly, RSPCA inspector, said of the Pinehurst snakes: “We don’t know how long they had been there or who dumped them and would encourage anyone with any information to come forward and let us know in complete confidence.

“Veterinary opinion is that the snakes were both underweight and in poor condition so we’re very concerned they suffered prior to their death.”

The two snakes were found in a clear plastic box with a heat mat, bowl and empty box of Quality Street chocolates. 

The pair, which were both between 1.5m and 2m in length, were found cuddled together. 

Neither had been microchipped.

RSPCA experts warned of a “widespread neglect” of reptiles in England and Wales.

Since 2011, the charity has seen a 71 per cent increase in the total number of calls about reptiles – from 4,020 to 6,888 in 2016. In that year, 1,689 reptiles were collected by RSPCA inspectors.

Over Christmas, the charity – which prosecutes animal cruelty cases – was called to assist Bristol police. Astonished officers in the city had uncovered a live 10ft boa constrictor in the back seat of a seized car. 

That month, another boa constrictor was found being kicked by yobs in a Cardiff street. And last week, a royal python was found dead in Cwmbran, Wales, with suspicious bruising to its head.

Nicola White, RSPCA exotics senior scientific officer, said: “Sadly the RSPCA is experiencing widespread neglect of reptiles. 

"We are finding that many people are unaware of how much of a commitment these animals are when they take them on, which we believe may be why we are rescuing hundreds of reptiles every year. This number appears to be on the increase.

“The main thing we want to stress to people who are thinking about bringing an exotic pet into their family is to research the needs of the animal thoroughly and make sure that you can provide everything that animal needs for its entire life.”

To report any information about the Pinehurst Road snakes, call the RSPCA on 0300 123 8018.