“There are specific offences under the Wildlife and Countryside Act and Animal Welfare Act in relation to releasing a python and we would urge anyone with any information as to where the python came from to contact us. It is a possibility that the python may have outgrown its home. We would urge anyone thinking about getting rid of their pets, particularly those which may pose a risk to the public, to contact an animal charity for advice so that they can be rehomed safely and responsibly.”
It is believed to have been around 12 to 15 years old and it may have been living in the wild for a number of days before it died. Following an autopsy, the reptile showed signs of respiratory disease which could have contributed to its death. Officers are now investigating the circumstances surrounding how the python came to be by the canal and are appealing for anyone with any information that could assist with their enquiries to come forward.
Rishton councillor Ken Moss said he suspected the snake had been dumped after growing too big for its owner, and described whoever left it as ‘heartless’. He said: “The general consensus is it has become too big for somebody and they have dumped it in the canal. If that’s the case it’s heartless because we have a reptile shop in Rishton and they would have taken it. People need to be aware of just how big these animals can get. Of course, there could be a completely innocent explanation but someone somewhere knows who that snake belongs to, and we are hoping to find out who. The snake could not have lasted long in this weather.”
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