A bearded dragon was found abandoned near a children’s play area.

The reptile was found by a member of the public in a vivarium in Greenwood Park, Chiswell Green, on Wednesday last week.

It had been left next to the car park, near the entrance to the park, just off Tippendell Lane.

They contacted the RSPCA who were able to take the reptile to a specialist and found it was in a healthy condition; however the housing it was in was said to be in a "poor condition".

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The RSPCA are now appealing for anyone who may have seen how it got there to come forward.

RSPCA Animal Collection Officer Kate Wright said: "The RSPCA do see many instances of dumped exotic pets and we think the reason behind this is often that owners cannot cope with the amount of care that they need.

“He has now been taken to a specialist boarding establishment where he is recovering before he can be rehomed.

“This is a very public area. I am now appealing for anyone with information about how the bearded dragon came to be abandoned to contact the inspectorate appeal line on 0300 123 8018.”

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Bearded dragons are one of the top five species of reptiles that are being collected by RSPCA inspectors or handed in to our centres. Other reptiles the animal welfare charity receives the most calls about include corn snakes, terrapins, tortoises, leopard geckos, boa constrictors and royal pythons.

RSPCA exotics senior scientific officer, Nicola White, said: “Reptiles are completely reliant on their owners to meet their welfare needs, which include the need to be provided with the correct levels of heat, light and humidity, plus an appropriate diet for the particular species.

“They are commonly found for sale in pet shops and online, however it is sadly often the case that they are handed over to buyers with very little or no information about how to care for them properly or the commitment that is involved in keeping them healthy.Watford Observer:

“It is for this reason that we are urging potential owners to research and look into what is required in the care of their pet first before taking one on so they know what is involved and how long it is likely to be for.”