Exotic pets find refuge after post-boom abandonment

THE recession has led to some unusual orphans in need of new homes — including snakes, lizards and other exotic reptiles.

“People moving home or emigrating are left wondering what will I do with my 8ft boa constrictor? Mummy doesn’t want it returning home with her son or daughter from their Dublin apartment and we end up getting called in,” explained Kevin Cunningham of the National Exotic Animal Sanctuary.

Up to three years ago it was a regular weekend activity for people to spend “€400 to €500 on a lizard and tank and other essentials for it. They were popular with people living in apartments who were not allowed to have pets like cats and dogs. Now their circumstances have changed and they no longer want them or can hold onto them,” he added.