'Partially burnt' boa constrictor found dead in Aldershot

Please note this article contains photos that some people may find distressing

Author: Grace McGachyPublished 15th Apr 2024
Last updated 15th Apr 2024

A large snake has been found dead in Aldershot after apparently being set on fire.

It's not clear if the 5 foot boa constrictor was already dead or if it was killed by the fire.

The RSPCA say it's possible it happened when someone tried to dispose of the body.

A member of the public discovered the snake at around 6am on 8 March on Wyndham Street.

RSPCA inspector Jo Bowling is investigating for the animal welfare charity. She said: “This was an incredibly sad discovery. It’s not clear if this snake was set on fire before or after they died.

“The snake was partially burnt. We have received a picture taken at around six this morning showing the snake in a different position - we’d ask if anyone moved the snake to let us know.

“It may well be that the snake was already dead and someone didn’t know how to dispose of the body. The best course of action would have been to take the snake to a vet.

“Boa constrictors and other exotic animals can be expensive to keep and require specialist veterinary care, there’s more information on the RSPCA website.

“We are asking people living in the area if they had working CCTV or Ring Doorbell footage that may have picked up someone looking suspicious - possibly carrying a heavy black bag.

“We are urging anyone with information to call the inspectorate line on 0300 123 8018, quoting incident number 01232584.”