Bearded dragon found at East Sussex cricket pavilion
RSPCA teams say they were lucky to find 'Dave' alive in freezing conditions
A bearded dragon has been taken into the care of the RSPCA after being found in an East Sussex park.
The reptile was discovered in freezing temperatures close to the pavilion at Hailsham Cricket Club on Thursday (March 9th).
Experts from the animal charity are now looking to reunite the creature, named 'Dave' with his rightful owner.
RSPCA inspector Rachel Smith said:
"Reptiles do not cope well with cold weather and this bearded dragon was saved from freezing conditions. This poor animal would not have survived for long in this cold weather if he hadn’t been found.
"Bearded dragons are endothermic which means they cannot generate their own body heat and need warmth to survive.
"They are native to Australia so when they are kept in this country they require a heat lamp to keep temperatures high. Had he not been found he would have been at death’s door before long."
The RSPCA has stressed the importance of keeping animals like lizards microchipped so that they can easily be identified if they are lost.
They added that no-one has so far come forward to claim the reptile, despite enquiries in the local area.
Anyone with information on the lizard's owner is asked to contact the RSPCA in confidence on 0300 123 8018.