The ISPCA has issued an appeal for information after a Burmese Python was found on the loose in the Wicklow Mountains National P.
It’s said that the five foot long snake was abandoned by someone before being discovered by a local farmer over the weekend, who then contacted the National Parks and Wildlife Service.
The female python, named Sammi by rescuers, was ‘underweight, dehydrated and injured’ when she was discovered.
While Sammi is said to be ‘hanging in there’, the ISPCA commented that ‘it is still very uncertain as to whether she will pull through’.
ISPCA Chief Inspector Conor Dowling commented, ‘In addition to the potentially illegal release of a non-native species, there are numerous possible offences under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013.
‘This snake did not make its own way up the Wicklow Mountains and we believe that it was abandoned and left in an environment not suited to an animal of this type.
‘We suspect that it had been abandoned some days prior to her discovery but we also have reason to be concerned about the care that it was receiving prior to its release.’
Dowling added, ‘Animals such as Sammi have very specialised environmental requirements and will suffer slow, lingering deaths in normal Irish weather conditions.’
Anyone with information is asked to call the ISPCA National Animal Cruelty Helpline on 1890 515 515, report online
here or email helpline@ispca.ie.
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