I am extremely pleased Davies was banned from keeping exotic animals as he had no experience or expertise

RSPCA inspector Edwina Davidson

Davies admitted causing unnecessary suffering and was banned from keeping the animals for two years by magistrates in Brecon.

He was also given a two-year conditional discharge.

Davies left the lizard behind after he was evicted from his Brecon council flat.

During an inspection of the flat, housing officials found the pet running loose and in a life-threatening condition.

RSPCA inspector Edwina Davidson told the court the lizard was in an emaciated condition with its ribs and hip bones showing through its skin.

The creature was later examined by a vet who confirmed it was considerably underweight.

Malnutritioned pets

"I am extremely pleased Davies was banned from keeping exotic animals as he had no experience or expertise," said Inspector Davidson.

"Cases like this highlight how unsuitable exotic animals are as pets.

"It requires a huge amount of dedication to look after them properly," he added.

A recent report by the RSPCA revealed that 15% of pet reptiles suffer from malnutrition.

The pet at the centre of the case has now been re-housed with a lizard expert.