More than forty animals were stolen from an exotic pet shop in Rossendale.
One of the animals taken in the raid at Ipets Pet Superstore was the largest species of snake in the world.
Lancashire Police are investigating the incident, and believe the thieves gained entry through the roof.
More than 20 snakes were taken from the shop on Burnley Road East.
The owner of the shop, who asked not to be named, has described the theft as "devastating."
He listed the stolen animals on Facebook:
- 15 royal pythons
- Two corn snakes
- An Argus monitor lizard
- Five bearded dragons
- A blood python
- A calotes lizard
- Two leopard geckos
- A Nile monitor lizard
- Two black rat snakes
- Two albino black rat snakes
- A Tai beauty snake
- Five Guineas pigs
- Three rats
- A bald rat
An Amazon tree boa was dumped outside and died.
A 9ft reticulated python, a species that can grow to well over 20ft and is the world’s longest, was left outside. It is recovering at the vets.
The owner has pleaded for the safe return of the missing animals and is offering a £500 reward for information that leads to police making an arrest.
He said: “It’s devastating. We spent three months building a large pet shop which has the animals’ interests at heart.
"Everything has larger enclosure than 99 per cent of other pet stores and the welfare comes first.
“We have a strict policy of who we sell to and who is deemed responsible and adequate to home one of our animals.
“We just hope all the missing animals are safe. Even if we don’t get them back their interests are the most important thing at this moment in time. We urge anyone with information to contact the police.”
During the break-in, which happened between close of business on Monday and opening time on Tuesday, the store was ransacked and other animals were left loose around the premises.
The owner added: “All the animals that were found loose in and outside the unit are now in quarantine and will be assessed over the coming days.
“We are still open for business but all animal sales have been placed on hold for the next few days at least.”
Michaela Holt, from animal group Rossendale Responsible Rescue, said: “People should be aware they could be buying stolen animals and should contact the police or pet shop straight away.”
