Exotic menagerie seized from home

The Mississippi alligator was in a cold, putrid 6ft tank

A five foot long alligator was among animals seized by the RSPCA from "appalling" conditions in a terraced house.

The Mississippi alligator was in a putrid tank in the front room of the house Peterborough, Cambridgeshire.

Officials also found a red-tailed hawk as well as plastic containers holding dead cobras, boas and crocodiles.

The menagerie was discovered after the RSPCA was called to the house by a member of the owner's family.

Lethal rattlesnakes and a sulcata tortoise, which can grow to two-and-a -half feet long, were taken away with five dogs, seven puppies and five ferrets.

The alligator was starving and thrashing about in filthy water. It was a case of terrible neglect which simply shouldn't have happened RSPCA inspector

Relatives concerned for the well-being of the owner broke in to find the dead, decomposing and emaciated reptiles.

An RSPCA spokeswoman said there would be no animal welfare prosecution in this case as the owner has since died.

But the charity is now urging the government to introduce tighter controls on keeping dangerous animals.

"This case highlights the need for people to think very carefully before taking on an exotic animal as a pet," Inspector Tony Hollis said.

"These animals were kept in truly appalling conditions. The snakes certainly hadn't been fed for some time, possibly months.

"The alligator was starving and thrashing about in filthy water. It was a case of terrible neglect which simply shouldn't have happened.

Rare rattlesnake

"Not only had these animals suffered a great deal but there is the element of public safety.

"One of the rattlesnakes, a dusty rattlesnake, is extremely rare and there is no known anti-venom for it.

"It is vital the government takes strong and immediate action."

The animals which survived have been taken to a rescue centre in Wickenby, Lincolnshire.