THE HERALD (Plymouth, UK) 07 February 07 Abandoned Reptile Was 'Left To Die'
An iguana whose carcass was found in a forest on the edge of Dartmoor may have been 'sentenced to death' by the person who abandoned it, say the RSPCA.The adult male had no wounds or signs of illness so it is likely that he died from the cold after being abandoned near Yelverton, said officers from the animal welfare charity.
Chief Inspector Neil Thomas said it was highly unlikely that the reptile escaped. He added: "It is far more likely that this poor creature was somebody's pet which, when they no longer wanted it, they dumped in the woods, essentially sentencing him to freeze to death."
Iguanas need specialist care and attention, which includes a heated vivarium to ensure they are warm enough, and cannot survive for very long in the wild, especially with the recent cold weather. "We are probably looking at another example of somebody taking on an exotic pet and then, when it grew bigger than they expected or they lost interest or could no longer cope, they simply abandoned it," he said.
The RSPCA is appealing for information in a bid to trace the iguana's owner. "This creature may have been in somebody's home for several years and there might be a friend or neighbour who would recognise it," said Mr Thomas.
He added that it was illegal to abandon an animal in a manner likely to cause suffering and urged anyone with information to contact the RSPCA in confidence on 0870 555999.
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