Warning to pet owners as python trashes flat

A reptile charity has warned people about taking in pet snakes – after having to accept a 13ft python which was destroying its owner’s house.

Bertha, a Burmese python, was taken in by the Dundeebased charity Small Scales six months ago, after living in two previous homes.

The colossal python’s original owner was so scared of her that she overfed the snake to keep it docile, leading to it become severely overweight.

Bertha was then taken in by another woman who was ultimately forced to hand her over to the charity after she burst out of her enclosure and trashed the woman’s flat.

Elizabeth Gardener, who is a trustee of Small Scales along with husband Sean, said: “Bertha’s previous owner told us that she was too destructive.”

Bertha now lives in an 8ftx4ft enclosure at Elizabeth and Sean’s home.

Elizabeth said: “People get snakes like Bertha as babies and end up with these big and unmanageable animals.

“People just think they’ll have a big snake that looks cool, but it ends up being a burden.

“Unless you know exactly what you’re getting into, don’t get one.”

Sean added: “People need to research and find out what they’re getting into.”

The charity also cares for a 12ft male Burmese python named Biscuits, and plans to use him for educational programmes to help people learn more about snakes.

Bertha has the potential to reach 18ft in length, and will one day need a room to herself.

She also requires a gigantic heating pad and a water bowl the size of most sinks which is refilled daily.

Elizabeth said: “The custom enclosure which was built for her cost almost £1,000.”

In the wild, Burmese pythons like Bertha are known to eat deer, pigs, and even crocodiles.