The RSPCA is appealing for information after two corn snakes were discovered with burns in separate incidents in Cornwall.

Both snakes were discovered in the Fraddon area of the county by concerned members of the public.

The animal welfare charity is now appealing for any information which could help the establish how the snakes came to be abandoned with such shocking injuries.

RSPCA exotics officer Peter Ferris said: ‘We would like to hear from anyone who can shed any light on what happened or how the snakes came to be dumped in such a terrible state. Anyone with information can call our appeal line on 0300 123 8018.

‘I attended a static home park near Fraddon after a gentleman was walking his dog along a country lane and found one of the snakes in a pillowcase on June 21.

‘The snake was taken to a vet and we were amazed at the state of the snake, burns throughout its whole body. It is sickening, upsetting and frustrating that someone could do this. The snake sadly had to be put to sleep straight away to stop any more suffering.

‘Sadly this was the second snake to be discovered in the area, the first was collected earlier the same week and it also had some substance over its body.

‘That snake thankfully survived and has been treated at a veterinary hospital and has now recovered.

‘Unfortunately the number of calls we receive about reptiles - including snakes - has increased 20% in five years.’