拯救被遗弃的宠物蛇

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This two-metre-long boa constrictor was found abandoned in a bathtub last week.


An abandoned, two-metre-long boa constrictor is now under the care of an animal shelter in Halifax after being rescued by SPCA officers last Friday.

The snake was found emaciated and dehydrated in the bathtub of an apartment last week after the animal welfare group received a call about the snake.

Animal rescue officers said they believe the snake had not been fed in several months.

"This was an animal that was at one point cared for, at one point was a pet and, for a period of six months, was obviously not cared for very well," said Kristin Williams, executive director of the Nova Scotia SPCA.

"That's obviously a concern, just as it is when we encounter dogs and cats that are neglected and left for a period of time."

The SPCA is releasing few details because the case is being treated as a cruelty investigation.

"I think it brings to question the fact that potential cruelty, abuse, abandoned animals, is not something that's just specific to cats and dogs," Williams said. "In fact, it's something that affects reptile companion animals as well."

The boa is being nursed back to health by Ssafe Haven Society, a reptile rescue group. If recovery goes well, the snake will be put up for adoption, perhaps within the next couple of weeks.

"She was so dehydrated and weak that she actually floated in water, plus she lacked the strength to lift herself up out of the bathtub," Denise McKay, adoption and rescue co-ordinator for the group, said in an email.

The SPCA suspects the boa is female and will try to confirm that when the snake recovers, McKay said.