Rise in unwanted exotic pets due to energy costs, says charity

More people than ever are giving up their exotic pets due to high energy costs, says a Highland-based charity.

Scottish Exotic Animal Rescue in Nairn cares for up to 100 animals at a time, including snakes, lizards and insects.

Chairman Chris Evans said some people felt forced into giving up their pets because they could no longer afford them warm.

"Any animals we rehome we are almost immediately taking in another animal," he added.

Most exotic pets are from countries hotter than Scotland.

Mr Evans said: "Your average front room is not going to be warm enough for a lot of these animals.

"So they require heat lamps and specialist lighting for their health and that has a knock-on effect on costs, especially energy costs."

Bearded dragons, among the reptiles rescued by the charity, need warm environments - including temperatures of around 22C at night time.

Some tree frogs need it to be about 32C for at least 12 hours a day.

Global prices for gas, electricity, oil and other fuels started began rising four years ago when Covid pandemic lockdowns were relaxed and economies started to open up, according to a research briefing to the UK parliament.

Prices increased further following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

The briefing said energy prices had fallen since summer 2023, but were still above "pre-energy crisis" levels.

Last month, energy regulator Ofgem announced there would be a slight rise in prices in January.

Mr Evans said increased costs left some people unable to afford pets they previously had been able to look after.

"It's a growing problem unfortunately," he added.

Mr Evans urged people to think carefully before buying an exotic pet.

"Do as much research as possible and if you have any doubts we would recommend thinking about an alternative pet instead," he said.

He encouraged prospective pet owners to consider offering a home to rescued animals.