Andrea Darnell, 59, of Wivern Road, Hull, who ran Diamond Exotic pet store on Saville Street, within the metropolis, admitted inflicting pointless struggling to 6 snakes.
The RSPCA visited the store in May 2023 after being alerted to considerations concerning the animals and located “inappropriate” numbers of reptiles caged in small vivariums. Inspector Laura Barber stated: “Many – including iguanas, snakes, bearded dragons and a Chinese Water Dragon – were being kept in dirty, inappropriate conditions or showed historic injuries.”
An iguana was working free, whereas a big python was in a too-small vivarium, and a Chinese water dragon appeared to have a historic therapeutic mouth subject.
The store was issued with animal welfare notices however a go to in late June discovered no enchancment.
On the second flooring 18 young snakes have been being stored in a racking system with no thermostats and no water available to most of them. Five corn snakes and one Royal python have been “cold to the touch, underweight and close to death”.
The proprietor said that the python had by no means eaten since she acquired it nor it had been taken to a vet. The six snakes have been signed over to the RSPCA and the council revoked the proprietor’s licence. The six – which have been all dehydrated and very emaciated – died over the following few days
Ms Barber stated: “There was no excuse for not providing those poor snakes with their basic needs and failing to seek veterinary care for them when it was abundantly clear that they so desperately needed it.”
Darnell was sentenced to 250 hours of unpaid work, and ordered to pay £400 prices and a £154 sufferer surcharge. Four tarantula spiders have been confiscated.
