More than 40 animals, including 25 snakes, have been stolen from an exotic pet shop, leaving the owner feeling 'devastated'.
Lancashire Police are investigating the incident, and believe the thieves gained entry through the roof of Ipets Pet Superstore, Rossendale.
The owner, who wished to remain anonymous, 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.
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.”
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