The RSPCA has issued a warning over keeping exotic pets after finding seven snakes abandoned at a home in Greater Manchester.
The animal welfare charity was notified of the reptiles when owner contacted them alongside his landlord to say that he would be leaving them behind as he was moving home, and the seven snakes were then later discovered in a front room and an upstairs bedroom of the property.
The seven snakes – which were identified as a royal python and six corn snakes – were found in the town of Heywood in Rochdale.
The RSPCA inspectors that attended the property, Catherine Byrnes and Ryan King, found that, despite being kept in makeshift plastic tubs and containers, all seven snakes were healthy and in good condition, and were subsequently taken into the care of a specialist reptile rescue near Knutsford on 25 April.
Giving a little more insight on the situation as they found it, Inspector Catherine Byrnes said: “While the needs of the snakes weren’t being met when we found them in this property they were in a good condition and the owner had clearly been feeding them, to look after snakes you do need to provide a living environment for them with adequate heating, lighting and humidity.
The seven snakes were identified as a royal python and six corn snakes / Credit: RSPCA
“We did find some heat mats in a bedroom, but obviously the owner hadn’t got around to using them or housing his snakes properly.”
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Now, the RSPCA has issued a warning to those looking to keep exotic pets.
The charity fundamentally says it wants anyone wishing to own reptiles to research the needs of the particular species, before deciding if they can meet those responsibilities, as many people are unaware of the commitment needed to keep a snake as a pet.
“Potential owners need to think carefully before they adopt snakes and other exotics because they are specialist animals,” Ms Byrnes added.
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“You need to have the correct set-up to look after them and you need to understand you are responsible for finding them a suitable home if you are unable to continue caring for them.
“We can help out, but it is not that simple as animals like this can be difficult to rehome.”
Featured Image – RSPCA
News
Arrest made after 14-year-old boy found in critical condition on Market Street
Daisy Jackson
An arrest has been made after a teenage boy was found unresponsive on Market Street in Manchester city centre.
Detectives believe that the boy, 14, was approached by seven males who stole a designer jacket from him.
Following the altercation, he went into cardiac arrest and was rushed to hospital in a critical condition.
Thankfully, the teenager is continuing to recover well.
Detectives from Manchester City Centre Criminal Investigation Department confirmed that an 18-year-old male was arrested yesterday, Thursday 20 February.
He has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and remains in police custody.
Detective Inspector Mark Astbury of GMP’s City Centre Criminal Investigation Department, said: “We hope the victim can continue his recovery following what must have been a terrifying ordeal for him.
“Officers are fully investigating all aspects of this shocking incident that has left a man with serious injuries in hospital.
“Our work doesn’t stop here, we are continuing to investigate this incident and information from the public plays an incredibly important role in our investigations and I ask that the community keep talking to us and keep sharing their concerns with us so our teams can act.”
If you have any information, contact GMP 101 or 0161 856 4305 quoting log 2854 of 16/2/25.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials
Emily Sergeant
Trials are currently underway to see if comedy could be an alternative to antidepressants as a way to reduce NHS costs.
UK tech company Craic Health has secured important funding for its ‘comedy on prescription’ project that’s aimed at helping the Government work with the comedy industry, communities, and organisations on comedy-based social prescriptions in the hope that they can solve financial struggles within the NHS.
The groundbreaking scheme uses stand-up shows and workshops to help people who are isolated, lonely, and vulnerable.
Craic believes comedy is an ‘untapped opportunity’ to improve health and wellbeing, and has a goal to make comedy easier to access, so that it can help communities experience its mental health and social benefits.
To achieve this, the company has started trialling Comedy-on-Prescription experiences in the UK – starting in London, with the potential for expansion – which includes things like curated comedy panel game show events and workshops, and general stand-up comedy shows at some of the capital’s world-famous venues.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
“Mental health issues like loneliness, isolation, and stress are more common than ever,” the company explains.
“So much so that it’s projected that by 2030, mental health problems, particularly depression, will be the leading cause of mortality and morbidity globally, [but] in this challenging world, comedy stands out as a universal language that breaks barriers.
“Research shows that comedy and laughter have powerful effects – they bring people together, create positive connections, and make life more enjoyable.”
Craic Health says that social prescribing, of which Comedy-on-Prescription is a part of, is all about inclusivity, which makes it making it suitable for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
Its focus is on personalised support, tailored to individual needs and preferences.
Emily Sergeant -
4th May 2022 
