Mystery of 29 dumped SNAKES in Sunderland leaves residents puzzled

Residents living near to a where 29 snakes were discovered in the same place over two days have been left puzzled by the unusual finds.
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On Thursday, February 13, 13 royal pythons were found in a Buzz Lightyear pillowcase in a bin near Farringdon Community Fire station on North Moor Lane. One later died.

Two days later on Saturday, February 15, a carpet python was found in one pillowcase and 15 corn snakes in another which had been taped closed, then secured with cable tie.

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None of the snakes are poisonous. However, people living nearby have expressed concern about the disturbing discoveries.

Farringdon residents, Walter Hardy and Christine Hardy (inset) voice concerns after snakes were left abandoned near the Farringdon Community Fire Station in SunderlandFarringdon residents, Walter Hardy and Christine Hardy (inset) voice concerns after snakes were left abandoned near the Farringdon Community Fire Station in Sunderland
Farringdon residents, Walter Hardy and Christine Hardy (inset) voice concerns after snakes were left abandoned near the Farringdon Community Fire Station in Sunderland

Walter Hardy, 65, said: “I’d hate to think they would get out and start breeding. I didn’t know if they were poisonous or not.

“I can’t believe people would do a thing like that. I hope they catch them.

“If a kid had got hold of them they would have been terrified. I’d hate to think one of my grandbairns would pick something like that up.”

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Pillowcase filled with 16 MORE SNAKES is discovered dumped in Sunderland
The snakes were left in two separate dumpings at the same place.The snakes were left in two separate dumpings at the same place.
The snakes were left in two separate dumpings at the same place.
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Walter’s wife, Christine Hardy, 59, said: “I was hoping the cameras at the fire station might see who left them. It’s a bit worrying.

Gail Lindley-Brown, 43, said: “The first I knew about it was at one o’clock this morning when I read about it.

“All I can say is that I was alarmed really. I know they’re just corn snakes but …still no! It didn’t go down very well with me when I read it.”

A dog walker, who did not want to be named, said: “It’s all very strange. My brother said he saw the Buzz Lightyear bag. But he walked past and didn’t think any more about it until he read it in the Echo.”

Farringdon Community Fire Station, where 29 snakes have recently been dumped in pillow cases. Picture by Stu Norton.Farringdon Community Fire Station, where 29 snakes have recently been dumped in pillow cases. Picture by Stu Norton.
Farringdon Community Fire Station, where 29 snakes have recently been dumped in pillow cases. Picture by Stu Norton.
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David Foster, 34, said: “It’s weird. I can’t imagine why anyone would do that. Where did they come from? I don’t like snakes, but they don’t deserve that. It must be some oddball.”

He said: “Having heard about the other poor snakes being abandoned earlier in the week, I couldn’t believe it when the call came through to say there had been even more snakes found in the exact same spot. I discovered 16 snakes in two pink pillowcases by the fire station. These snakes had been left inside the bin so they were incredibly lucky they didn’t end up in landfill!”

RSPCA Inspector Heidi Cleaver said that they believe the snakes were all abandoned by the same person and that the reptiles would have suffered a great deal of stress.

She said: “It is really concerning to think that someone has had around 30 snakes or more which they have decided to abandon in this cruel and callous way. We were in the midst of Storm Dennis at the weekend when these snakes, who need heat and light in order to survive, were left outside in the cold with just a pillowcase to contain them.”

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Anyone with information should call the RSPCA on 0300 123 8018.

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