THE Scottish SPCA is appealing for information after two dead snakes were found near Stow within a month.
The charity was first alerted on November 23 when a member of the public discovered a red and orange striped corn snake at a disused railway path near the village’s Station Road.
An orange and black corn snake was then found at the same location on December 14.
SSPCA animal rescue officer Amy Dow said: “Sadly, both snakes were already dead when they were discovered.
“While it is possible these snakes had strayed from home, the fact both were found on this railway path just three weeks apart suggests someone could have dumped them there.
“It’s likely they perished in the cold weather as snakes need heat to survive.
“We are very keen to trace the owner or owners of these snakes and we would urge anyone with information to contact us as soon as possible.”
Abandoning an animal is a criminal offence and anyone found guilty likely to be banned from keeping animals for a fixed period or life.
Anyone with information can contact Scottish SPCA Animal Helpline on 03000 999 999.