‘They’re Prisoners’: Why The UK Government May Face Legal Action Over ‘Pet’ Snakes

Animal organizations in the UK are warning the government of potential legal action over the welfare standards of "pet" snakes kept in England. The call to action comes after a letter sent to the Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs (Defra) urging them to increase enclosure sizes for snakes, as the current guidelines do not allow snakes to fully stretch. Despite scientific evidence supporting the need for snakes to be able to stretch, Defra has been accused of favoring the pet industry over the well-being of the animals.

Experts argue that snakes in inadequate enclosures are susceptible to physical and psychological conditions, such as muscle cramping, arthritis, and stress. While Wales has updated its guidelines to allow snakes to stretch, England has yet to follow suit, leading to concerns over the welfare of these animals in captivity. The long-term goal of animal organizations, such as PETA, is to see an end to wild animals kept as pets and to provide better conditions for all animals, including snakes.