Bearded dragon found alone in heathland in Dorset is rescued by the RSPCA
Animal charity launches appeal after the reptile was found
The RSPCA has rescued an underweight bearded dragon after it was found alone in heathland near Bournemouth and have since launched an appeal to try to find what happened to him.
The reptile was found on Tuesday (June 28) at around 12.30pm by a concerned member of the public out walking their dogs.
They took the bearded dragon home and kept him warm until RSPCA inspector Charlotte Le Brun collected the reptile and took him to a vet for treatment.
Charlotte said:
“We are extremely grateful to the finder who did all they could to help this poor reptile.
“He’s in good health other than some blocked pores. He’s been seen by a vet who examined him and found he’s received recent medical attention so we’re hoping someone will recognise him from this description.
“The area where this poor bearded dragon was found was remote heathland and it doesn’t seem realistic that this dragon made it there by himself so we are concerned he’s been abandoned.
“Sadly it is not unusual for us to be called out to collect abandoned reptiles. Many people are unaware of how much of a commitment these animals are when they take them on.
She continued:
"We would urge prospective owners to thoroughly research the needs of the particular species and what is required in the care of the animal, using expert sources, and only consider keeping one if they can ensure they are fully able to provide for these needs.
“Abandoning a reptile or releasing unwanted exotic pets into the wild is cruel and illegal, as most exotic animals kept as pets are unlikely to be able to survive in the wild in Britain.
“If you do find yourself in a situation where you can no longer look after your pet, there are options available. You could contact the original seller or a local reptile rescue centre for help rehoming your reptile if you feel you are no longer able to care for them.
“If anyone has any information as to who may have owned this bearded dragon I would urge them to call me on the RSPCA inspector appeal line on 0300 123 8018. “
Cost of living has pet owners worried
The RSPCA is concerned about exotic pets whose owners are affected by the rise in the cost of living. They are braced for a surge in abandonments once higher electricity bills start landing on people’s doormats.
The charity's new Animal Kindness Index also found that 19 percent of people have concerns about feeding their pets amid the cost of living crisis.
Unfortunately many people are unaware of how much of a commitment exotic pets are when they take them on.
The charity's officers are often called out to deal with hundreds of animals every year which have sadly been abandoned when their owners can no longer meet their needs. With prices rising, they say this problem is likely to get worse.
Owners may not understand the financial challenges involved; for example, the majority of exotics, including reptiles, need a carefully controlled environment requiring access to specialised equipment for lighting and 24-hour heating.
Failure to provide this can result in serious ill health. In addition, many of these animals can live for decades, making this a very long-term responsibility for an exotic pet keeper.
For more information about keeping exotic pets, please visit the RSPCA’s website