3 snakes abandoned in Scarborough bin – man given ban

Samuel Thomas Newton, 35, of Hampton Road, Scarborough was sentenced today (August, 22, 2022) at Scarborough Magistrates Court.

On the morning of Wednesday, June 29, 2022, Newton, transported the three non-venomous snakes in a carrier bag from his home address to the Sandy Bed area of Scarborough before dumping them in a litter bin directly outside a school.

Two of the snakes were rescued by the police later the same day following a report by a member of the public who had spotted one hanging out of the bin.

The third was found in a nearby grassy area the next day.

Newton has been banned from owning reptiles for seven years

Following a media appeal, Newton was identified as the owner of the pythons.

Initially he denied being involved, stating that he had handed the snakes to a third party for rehoming.

However, he admitted to dumping the snakes himself when formally interviewed by police.

Newton stated that the increase in the cost of food and heating, together with him not being able to spend enough time looking after the animals, had led him to make the decision to abandon them.

He made no attempt to rehome them and had given no consideration to their welfare.

Following the investigation by North Yorkshire Police, Newton was charged with an offence under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

As well as receiving a seven-year ban from owning reptiles, Newton was fined £384 and also has to pay a £154 surcharge and £85 costs totalling £623.

The snakes have now been successfully re-homed.

PC Graham Bilton, North Yorkshire Police's wildlife crime officer for the Scarborough area, investigated the incident.

He said: “It is extremely concerning that three large non-native snakes have been simply abandoned with no consideration for their welfare or wellbeing. Fortunately, they were discovered quite quickly and appear to have not suffered any significant harm but will undoubtedly have been stressed.

“The actions of Newton were wholly irresponsible and illegal, and on his own admission were disgusting.”

The snakes have now been successfully re-homed

RSPCA Inspectorate National Wildlife Coordinator, Geoff Edmond, said: "This case highlights what we fear is happening in that the rising costs of keeping pets - including insurance, veterinary fees, food costs and energy bills, which are particularly relevant to exotic pets that require specific heat and light sources - will lead to situations like this where pet owners are being forced to give up or abandon their animals.

“Our Animal Kindness Index identified that 78 per cent of pet owners fear the cost of living will impact their animals and 19 per cent are worried about how they'll afford to feed their pets. Nevertheless, at no time should animals be abandoned.”