RSPCA appeal after bearded dragon is found dumped in a shoebox in Telford

The lizard was found by children after they came across an Adidas shoe box and decided to look inside. They were shocked to find a bearded dragon inside with no food or water.

The discovery was made on a grassed area just off Bridgnorth Road, in Madeley and the children took the reptile to a nearby veterinary surgery who then alerted the RSPCA.

Inspector Vicky Taylor took the dumped pet - which has been named Hagrid after the bearded Harry Potter character - to a specialist reptile keeper who will care for the lizard until he can be re-homed.

She said the female bearded dragon also had some small burns on her body and it is not known what caused these.

Inspector Taylor said: “Obviously bearded dragons need a warm climate so the reptile could have died if she wasn’t discovered when she was.

“There was also no food and water in the box so she could have starved to death  however she appears to be doing well now in the care of the RSPCA, thankfully.

“Sadly this is not unusual for us to be called to collect an abandoned reptile. We believe many people are unaware of how much of a commitment these animals are when they take them on. We would urge prospective owners to thoroughly research the needs of the particular species and what is required in the care of the animal, using expert sources, and only consider keeping one if they can ensure they are fully able to provide for these needs.

“It is so sad that they are just dumped at the side of the road when people who are struggling to cope could simply call us for help and advice.

“I would appeal for anyone with information as to who dumped the bearded dragon on Saturday, March 2 to call the RSPCA appeal line on 0300 123 8018.”

It is illegal under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) to release, or to allow to escape, any species that are not normally native to the UK.