An appeal has been launched after two snakes were discovered abandoned on the roadside of a Twickenham street at the weekend.
The two royal pythons were found on grassland in Edwin Road at about 7am on Sunday, before being collected by a Richmond Council worker, who used a litter picker to capture them.
The RSPCA, which is currently caring for the serpents, has launched an appeal for information about their abandonment.
A spokesman said: "An animal collection officer was able to attend at around midday that day to collect the snakes, after the police had confined them.
"The snakes, thought to be male royal pythons, are currently being cared for at RSPCA Putney Animal Hospital, where they are receiving care and will be moving this week to South Essex Wildlife Hospital where they will be looking for a new home."
The charity recommends members of the public do not interfere with any snake found unconfined, in case it is incorrectly identified.
They added: "If it is thought to be a matter of public health, the police or local authority should be informed immediately, as in the case of any emergency."
The pythons were found by a member of the public in Edwin Road, Twickenham
The snakes' neglect is just the latest episode in a disturbing trend of pets being abandoned in the borough.
Animal Rescue and Care, a Richmond animal rehoming charity, said two rabbits were recently discovered in Twickenham's Marble Hill Park, with a further two found on the roadside.
The council's animal champion Councillor Petra Sale described the actions of the pythons' owner as "disgraceful".
She said: "I am shocked that anyone would dump two beautiful creatures in the middle of a residential street, it is disgraceful if this is the case.
"If anyone is having problems with not being able to care for their pets any longer then please do the sensible thing and take them to someone who can help like the RSPCA or to your local vet who can also help you to rehome unwanted pets."
Contact the RSPCA inspector appeal line on 0300 123 8018 with information about the abandonment of these exotic creatures.
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