Abandoned bearded dragon dies after being dumped on Black Country wasteland
A bearded dragon has died after being left abandoned in a soggy cardboard box in the Black Country.
The reptile was spotted by a member of the public in a box on wasteland off Hughes Road in Wednesbury on Sunday.
The dragon was thin, cold and dehydrated but still alive when it was collected by RSPCA inspector Jackie Hickman, who rushed it to a specialist vet in Dudley.
However it died a short time later.
Ms Hickman said: "Sadly this bearded dragon had been dumped in a soggy cardboard box and was not in a good way. He was very cold and dehydrated so I rushed him to a reptile rescue in Dudley for veterinary assistance.
“Exotic pets like bearded dragons aren’t always easy to care for and sadly this does mean we often see them abandoned when their owners struggle to cope with their care which is why we would urge people to thoroughly do their research before taking on an exotic pet.
"If you are struggling, there is never an excuse to abandon an animal like this as there are always other options open to you.
“Sadly, this bearded dragon was in such a bad state that he didn’t make it through the night.”
Anyone with information about the abandoned bearded dragon is asked to call the RSPCA inspectorate appeal line on 0300 123 8018.
