Injured five-foot python abandoned at Sally Gap
By Mary Dennehy
THE ISPCA has made a public appeal for information after an injured Burmese python was found abandoned last weekend in the Sally Gap area of the Wicklow Mountains.
The five-foot long female snake, which has been named Sammi by rescuers, was underweight, dehydrated and injured when found.
Sammi was found underweight, dehydrated and abandoned at Sally Gap area
The snake was secured by a National Parks and Wildlife representative after being alerted by a local farmer.
According to Conor Dowling, ISPCA (Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) Chief Inspector: “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 it was abandoned and left in an environment not suited to an animal of this type.
“We suspect 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.”
Rescuers described Sammi’s condition as “hanging in there” but they are uncertain as to whether she will pull through.
“Animals such as Sammi have very specialised environmental requirements and will suffer slow, lingering deaths in normal Irish weather conditions.
“During the exceptional summer last year, the ISPCA rescued two snakes which were active due to the warm weather.
“It raised the question how many animals of this type are out there dying slowly after being discarded by irresponsible owners who no longer want them.
“The ISPCA would like to see regulation of the breeding, selling and keeping of exotic pets.”
Anyone with information about Sammi is encouraged to contact the ISPCA National Animal Cruelty Helpline on 1890 515 515 or email helpline@ispca.ie.
