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RSPCA Rescues Abandoned Tarantulas in Greater Manchester as Exotic Pet Concerns Grow

The RSPCA has stepped in after 22 tarantulas were found abandoned in a Salford apartment. Only four survived, revealing serious problems with how exotic pets are cared for and regulated. 

RSPCA Rescues Abandoned Tarantulas in Greater Manchester

The tarantulas were left in plastic containers without proper care. Most died from dehydration - a painful death for creatures that normally thrive in warm, humid environments.  

"Tarantulas are tougher than they look," said RSPCA Officer David Cottingham. "But they still need specific care to survive. This neglect was completely avoidable."  

The surviving spiders, possibly popular pet types like Mexican redknees, are now getting proper care. Their recovery shows how resilient these creatures can be when given the right conditions.  

The Truth About Tarantulas

Despite their scary reputation:  

  • They're not dangerous to humans (their bite is like a bee sting)  
  • They're important for nature, keeping insect populations in check  
  • They can live for decades with proper care 
  • They require enough space to move and hide  

This is not the first time tarantula has featured on the news, just three weeks after the Manchester case, German customs officers at Cologne Bonn Airport intercepted a shipment labeled "cake decorations." Inside:  

  • 1,500 live tarantulas crammed into tiny plastic containers  
  • No ventilation, no temperature control  
  • An estimated 30% mortality rate during transport  

This wasn't some amateur operation," says customs spokesperson Jens Ahland. "This was a professional smuggling ring exploiting the exotic pet boom."  

Why Tarantulas Are the New Frontier of Animal Welfare 

1. "They're Just Spiders" Myth

Tarantulas are complex creatures with specific needs:  

  • Required humidity: 70-80% (like a rainforest)  
  • Temperature range: 75-85°F (24-29°C)  
  • Lifespan: Up to 25 years for females

2."Low Maintenance" Fallacy 

While they don't need walks like dogs, proper care requires:  

  • Specialized enclosures with cross-ventilation  
  • Regular habitat maintenance
  • Veterinary access (few vets treat invertebrates)  

3. The Social Media Effect 

Viral videos show "cute" handling (which stresses most species)  

Online sellers often omit care requirements 

Real Solutions for a Complex Problem

For Current Owners  

If you're struggling with tarantula care:  

  • Don't release them (non-native species can damage ecosystems)  
  • Contact specialists like the British Tarantula Society  
  • Surrender responsibly through RSPCA's exotics program  

For Prospective Buyers

Before purchasing:  

  • Research the species' full lifespan (many live decades)  
  • Set up the habitat first – test humidity/temp for a week  
  • Locate an exotic vet before you need one  

Bigger Problems in the Pet Trade

This case shows wider issues:  

  • There are no special rules for owning tarantulas in the UK  
  • Many are caught from the wild and sold illegally  
  • Buyers often don't understand how long these pets live  

How We Can Do Better

Experts recommend:  

  • Education before buying exotic pets  
  • Community watch systems to report neglect  
  • Adopting captive-bred animals instead of wild ones  

How to Help 

If you see neglected animals:  

📞 Call any organizstion that promotes animal welfare near you.

These four surviving tarantulas got a second chance. Their story reminds us that all pets - even unusual ones - deserve proper care and respect.  

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