Dog walker’s shock as 4-foot-long python slithers out of bag on St Leonards footpath

A dog walker was on the footpath in the area of Blackwell Close when his dog started to show interest in the bag.

An RSPCA spokesman said: “When the bag moved, the dog walker thought maybe there could be puppies and kittens inside, but they opened it up and discovered a snake instead.

“The snake slid out of the bag, but not too far and the dog walker’s partner came to help and confine the snake in a pillow case while they waited for the RSPCA to arrive.”

Animal rescue officer Julie Parson went to the scene and moved the snake to a basket with a hot water bottle covered with blankets to try and warm it up.

She said: “We are so very grateful to the couple who did all they could to help this poor snake.

“They really did go the extra mile to help.

“The dog walker had a huge surprise when he found it was a snake inside the bag and not a kitten or a puppy.

“The snake was so cold from being outside that he was very lethargic - I kept him as warm as I could in the cage and then had the heating on in my van full blast so that I could try to warm him up I rushed him to a nearby vet.”

The snake was kept at the vets overnight and transferred to a specialist facility.

It was not injured but was very thin.

The RSPCA is appealing to anyone to call 0300 123 8018.

The spokesman said: “The RSPCA would always recommend that anyone who sees a stray exotic snake to keep a safe distance, call our helpline on 0300 1234 999 and monitor the animal until we can get there.

“Sadly it is not unusual for the RSPCA to be called to collect snakes that appear to have been abandoned as people are unaware of how much of a commitment these animals are when purchasing them.

“The RSPCA urges prospective owners of reptiles 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. For more information about the care of royal pythons please visit www.rspca.org.uk/exotics”