THE RSPCA has revealed that it received 240 calls about exotic animals in North Yorkshire last year and rescued 78 such pets.

The charity says its call-outs included one to a home in York where a resident had moved out but had left his terrapin behind.

In East Yorkshire, it received 184 calls about exotic animals and rescued 41.

The charity received a total of 11,040 calls reporting cruelty, neglect, injury and suffering of all animals last year in North Yorkshire, including 1,935 about cats, 3,103 about dogs and 931 about horses.

It received 6,242 such calls in East Yorkshire, including 1,356 about cats, 1,899 about dogs and 597 about horses.

Inspector Lucy Green, specialist exotics officer for the area, said that although numbers were small compared to more common pets, the RSPCA had real concerns about the welfare of reptiles and other exotic animals kept as pets.

“Reptiles and other exotic pets are completely reliant on their owners to meet their welfare needs, including requiring the correct levels of heat, light and humidity, plus an appropriate diet," she said.

"Many of the animals we’re called to help are found stray outside, where they can very quickly suffer in the cold.

" In some cases, we believe owners take them on simply because they believe they will be easier to care for than other pets, but it is essential that people research what is required in the care of their pet, from food, equipment, environment and vet care, before taking one on.

“We believe that people may buy them with little idea of how difficult they can be to keep and the animals are sometimes neglected when the novelty wears off and the commitment hits home."