Over one hundred exotic pets like this budgie, were rescued in West Yorkshire last year alone.
A report released by the RSPCA today shows that a total of 101 exotic animals and pets were rescued in West Yorkshire in 2018.
The charity said they received almost 500 calls over the course of the year, reporting the neglect or mistreatment of a range of exotic creatures including: Corn Snakes, Bearded Dragons and Parakeets.
RSPCA Chief Inspector for West Yorkshire, said: “Reptiles and other exotic pets are completely reliant on their owners to meet their welfare needs including requiring the correct levels of heat, light and humidity, plus an appropriate diet.
“Many of the animals we’re called to help are found stray outside, where they can very quickly suffer in the cold.”
The charity says that in many cases, owners do not take the necessary steps to prepare for looking after exotic pets – in many cases exotic pets are released into the wild.
One of the worst cases in the county, saw two Indian ring-necked parakeets dumped in a bag for life in a hedge in Bradford in May last year.
The RSPCA received 20,572 calls reporting cruelty, neglect, injury and suffering of all animals last year in West Yorkshire last year – the fourth highest amount in England.
The charity insist that owners do their homework when adopting or purchasing any pet, exotic or domestic.
- If you need to report any animal abuse, neglect or mistreatment, the RSPCA can be contacted on: 0300 1234 999.