THE RSPCA received almost 150 calls about exotic animals in Wiltshire last year, according to new figures.

The bodies of two dead snakes were found dumped in a plastic box in Swindon, Wiltshire, and Giant African land snails were rescued after being dumped by the side of the road in Trowbridge.

The two snakes were found in the box alongside a heat mat and bowl in January 2018, and were both between 1.5m and 2m in length.

The figures have been released as part of the RSPCA'S annual statistics, and came out yesterday (Thursday, April 25).

Across England and Wales in 2018, the number of calls the RSPCA received to its 24-hour cruelty hotline increased by 13 percent from 2017 to 1,175,193 calls.

The charity received around 15,790 calls about exotic animals, more than 40 a day, or more than one every hour.

The RSPCA believes the reason behind some of the suffering of these exotics pets is that owners do not research their needs and don’t understand the type and amount of care that they need, resulting in them escaping, being abandoned or neglected.

RSPCA Deputy Chief Inspector Stephanie Daly said: “It’s heartbreaking to think that someone could simply discard these poor snakes like rubbish next to garages in a residential street.

“Both snakes were underweight and in poor condition and veterinary experts believe they sadly suffered before their deaths.”

RSPCA animal welfare officer Sian Fry saved the snails before they were taken to the RSPCA’s specialist rescue centre to begin their search for new homes.

She said: “Giant African land snails are completely reliant upon their owners to be provided with the correct accommodation, heating, humidity, lighting and food.

"To abandon them alone without consideration for their welfare is completely unacceptable.”

For information about the exotic animals looking for a home at the RSPCA, visit rspca.org.uk/findapet.