Dead snake found in trash
ALBERTSKROON – A dead endangered python was found dumped in a dustbin at Alberts Farm.
Newlands Resident Phill Hewit took his dogs out for a morning walk in Alberts Farm when he came across a slithery surprise.
“I was just casually walking with my dogs in the park when I noticed that there was something unusually large in one of the dustbins,” said Hewit.
His discovery turned out to be a dead snake.
After posting his findings in the Newlands Residents’ Whatsapp group, Ward 86 councillor Steve Kotze made contact with him, surprised by the size of the snake.
“It was very weird to hear that something like this happened. It was quite big, an estimated girth diameter of 100mm,” said Kotze, who contacted City Parks to request the safe removal of the dead animal.
The snake was later confirmed to be an African Rock Python. African Rock Pythons are considered to be an endangered species, according to the NSPCA.
According to Kotze the snake was eventually removed and burnt by residents of the area, after City Parks was allegedly reluctant to assist.
City Parks was unavailable at the time of publishing.
Inspector at the Wildlife unit for the NSPCA Isabelle Wentzel advised that the public should always make sure to contact the correct authorities surrounding the appropriate disposal of dead animals.
“The correct procedure would be for residents to contact their local SPCA branch. It is the responsibility of these institutions to ensure that proper arrangements are made in order to remove the dead animal and dispose of it accordingly,” said Wentzel.
