Call for Stronger Reptile Protection Laws and Regulation of Breeding

70 Starving Pythons Found in Durham

Daniel Holmes, founder of Knaresborough Exotic Rescue, was met with a horrifying scene when he arrived at a property near Durham to rescue 70 starving pythons. The snakes, some of whom hadn't been fed for a year, were in such a deplorable condition that Holmes and his fellow volunteer were brought to tears.

"It was like a horror scene," said Holmes, a seasoned reptile rescuer with 19 years of experience. "I've never seen anything like it. It's the worst case of neglect I've ever seen."

The pythons, all expensive royal pythons with "different high-end colours," were found in a former coal outhouse on the property. They were underweight, infested with mites, and had skin stuck to them from shedding.

"We've got about five or six in a critical condition," said Holmes, adding that some were babies. "It's upsetting."

The snakes had been left behind by their owner, who had abandoned them with his ex-girlfriend after telling her he only had six snakes. It is believed he had been breeding them for years, and left them to spite his ex-partner.

The pythons were found in a cold shed, with many kept in drawers and others loose. The thermostats on the snake racks had been overheating, causing the snakes to overheat as well. This had a particularly severe impact on the baby snakes, who were very dry.

Adding to the horror, rescuers found bags of deceased snakes in the freezer and three more dead snakes in the open. The smell was pungent, indicating the snakes had been dead for some time.

Holmes is compiling evidence to send to the RSPCA, calling for better laws to protect reptiles kept as pets. He believes there should be stricter regulations against cruelty and that rescue centers like his should be able to prosecute offenders.

He also advocates for legislation to regulate snake breeding, as anyone can currently buy non-dangerous snakes and breed them at home. He emphasizes that snakes can make great pets, especially for children with ADHD and autism, and hopes to rehome the rescued pythons once they are rehabilitated.

Holmes is appealing to the public for donations to cover the cost of the rescue, vet bills, and ongoing care for the snakes. He is also seeking funds to support future rescues, as his center is currently at full capacity due to the influx of pythons.