No homes for abandoned snakes (From Harwich and Manningtree Standard)

Harwich snake sanctuary struggles to find homes

7:30am Thursday 20th September 2012 in News By Lorraine Price

A RESCUE centre owner is struggling to find new homes for abandoned pets because they are “not the fashion”.

Sue Coleman, who runs Snakey Sue’s Serpent Sanctuary in Main Road, Harwich, said she is struggling to afford the ongoing costs of the rescue centre because of a lack of donations and people willing to take on adult snakes.

“The problem is people buy snakes and don’t realise how long they live,” she said. The majority of snakes Sue has taken of have been corn snakes, a popular breed from central and eastern America.

But she said not many people are looking to rehome those snakes.

Financial strain has made Sue even consider closing the rescue centre, which is currently home to 73 snakes.

Anyone looking to rehome a snake or willing to help the rescue should call 07715 041846.