Plea not to dump reptiles after pythons found in Devon

Mr Moisier said: “I’m fuming because there is no need to do that.”

The man who discovered the first royal python, also known as a ball python, took the reptile home and contacted the zoo for help.

However, it had sustained an injury, perhaps from a passing vehicle, and Mr Moisier said he was doubtful it would survive.

He encouraged anyone who wanted to relocate their reptiles to contact the National Centre for Reptile Welfare or other alternative organisations.

“There is no need to abandon anything anywhere,” he said. “Please do not release them into the British countryside. It compromises the welfare of the animal.

“They won’t survive in this climate as it’s from sub-Saharan Africa. It’s a cruel slow death.”