Abandoned pet snake rescued by Halifax SPCA

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 an apartment last week after the animal welfaregroup received a call about the reptile.

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

"Unfortunately the snake was in bad shape. It looks like he hasn't eaten in about six months. So we're talking about a very emaciated snake in need of some tender loving care," 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.

"As you can see, he is grossly underweight. You're not supposed to be able to pinch any skin on a boa and his skin is actually folded, so he does need to regain his strength," said DeniseMcKay, adoption and rescue co-ordinator for the group.

At first the group suspected the boa was female. They will try to confirm that whenthe snake recovers, McKay said, and if recovery goes well, the snake will be put up for adoption, perhaps within the next couple of weeks.

Boa constrictors are relatively low-maintenance pets, McKay said, needing only a large rodent, preferably a rat, to eat once every couple of weeks, and some cleaning.

Pet retailers say this is a particularly cruel case.

"The fact that this snake was so dehydrated thathe floated when they gave him a bath was horrendous. I don't think any animal should go through that, no matter what the species," said Adam Findley of Newfoundland Jungle Pets inDartmouth. "I will never sell a reptile to anyone who I expect will not look after it."