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Escaped snake reunited with owner after 18 months
corn snake
Paul was reunited with Heston after providing descriptions of very distinctive marks matching those of the escapee.

Pet rescued from neighbour’s drainpipe
 
Heston, the corn snake, escaped from his vivarium and has been found 18 months later at a neighbouring property in Strand Road, Wirral.

Animal welfare officer John Littlewood was called to the home to rescue Heston last Wednesday, after he was spotted slithering out of plastic piping from a neighbour’s washing machine.

Owner Paul Sheratt was "shocked" when the snake was confirmed as Heston, after giving up hope of finding him. "I was talking to a neighbour when they mentioned that a snake had been found at one of the houses on the street. When they described it to me it did sound just like Heston."

Mr Sheratt was reunited with Heston after providing descriptions of very distinctive marks matching those of the escapee.

Mr Littlewood said: "It is very unusual for a snake to survive on his own in the open for so long as snakes have very particular environmental needs."

The RSPCA are advising owners to ensure their vivaria are safe and secure to prevent snakes escaping.

Mr Sheratt is delighted to have him home. "It’s great to have him back. We just wonder where he has been all this time!"

Image © RSPCA

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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

Click here for more...
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Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).

Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.