RSPCA Cymru is appealing for information after a boa constrictor was found dying by the side of a country lane with a severe head injury, thought to have been caused intentionally.

A dog walker spotted the injured seven-and-a-half foot long snake just off a country lane near Walwyn’s Castle, near Haverfordwest and called the RSPCA.

RSPCA animal collection officer (ACO) Ellie West said: “It was horrible. The snake was still alive, but she had an awful head injury.

“She was so cold, and had suffered so much pain and distress. She probably had a brain injury and would have shut her body down.”

ACO West rushed her to a vets, where sadly on veterinary advice, she was put to sleep to prevent her further suffering.

“It looked like someone had tried to kill her and thought she was dead, but she was still alive and was just dumped near a country lane. It is really upsetting.”

The RSPCA is appealing for information to try and find out what happened to the snake and how she came to be at the location she was found at.

Anyone who may have information about these snake should contact the RSPCA inspectorate appeal line on 0300 123 8018.

Calls are treated in confidence.

The RSPCA is experiencing a growing number of exotic animals being abandoned and handed to animal centres around the country in the past ten years, reflecting an increase in the keeping of reptiles as pets.

Releasing a reptile from tropical climates, such as this boa into the wild in the UK will cause them to suffer as they cannot produce their own body heat.

It is illegal to release any exotic animal under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

The RSPCA is urging potential owners to thoroughly research what is required in the care of the exotic animal before taking one on, as owners need to make sure they can give their animal the environment required.

Also that they have the facilities, time, financial means and long-term commitment to maintain a good standard of care as required under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.