Snake found in Ayrshire shop
Published 27 Jul 2012 09:30
The Scottish SPCA is seeking the owner of a young snake found in an
Ayrshire shop.
Scotland's animal welfare charity was called to rescue the red and
orange hatchling after an employee in a newsagent's on High Road,
Saltcoats, spotted the reptile on Wednesday (25 July).
The 12 inch cornsnake, who has been named Eli, is now being cared for at
the Scottish SPCA's Glasgow Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre in
Cardonald.
Animal Rescue Officer Alistair Hill said, "The lady had managed to
contain Eli until we arrived, which was very brave as I expect most
people would get a real fright coming across a snake unexpectedly, even
a tiny one.
"Eli is rather thin and hadn't eaten for a few weeks so could have been
straying for a while. Thankfully, Eli is now recovering in our care and
doing well.
"Quite often when we're called to rescue snakes they've come down the
wall from a building above, but this shop stands alone so we're
scratching our heads as to where Eli has come from.
"Cornsnakes are popular pets so it's likely someone is missing Eli,
although we can't rule out a possible abandonment.
"If an owner doesn't come forward, we'll soon be looking to find Eli a
knowledgeable new home."
Anyone who recognises Eli is being asked to call the Scottish SPCA
Animal Helpline on 03000 999 999.
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