A 16-ft python found dead and floating in a Lancashire canal

#python #lancashire #RibbleValley The police has appealed for information that could solve the mystery of a huge 16-ft python that was found dead and floating in a canal Norden Bridge in Rishton, Lancashire, by walkers as reported in news.sky.com dated 4 March 2015.
The reticulated python is believed to have been around 12 to 15 years old and could have been living in the wild for a number of days before it died. Post-mortem examination carried out on it revealed that it exhibited signs of respiratory disease that could have been the cause of its death.
In the opinion of Ribble Valley Wildlife Crime Officer PC Carl Chew, a python of this size could have attacked any person and it is fortunate that no one was attacked. He has added that there are specific offences under the Wildlife and Countryside Act and Animal Welfare Act regarding releasing a python.
Some possibilities being explored are that the python may have outgrown its home and the owners released it. Or its owner could have wanted to get rid of its pet.
Whatever be the reason, the police have suggested that owners who want to get rid of their pets should not just set them free but inform suitable agencies who have expertise in such matters.