Skip to main content

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.  

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Real Risks: Weighing Vaccine Side Effects vs. Deadly Diseases

Some dog owners express concern about vaccine risks. Meanwhile, preventable diseases continue to pose a documented threat. For example, a two-year pause in dog rabies vaccination campaigns in Haiti resulted in a five to eightfold increase in animal rabies cases within a single year, creating a public health crisis that required an emergency response. This event illustrates a central fact: the dangers of vaccine-preventable diseases are quantifiably greater than the known risks associated with vaccination. This article will address concerns about vaccine safety by examining the precise nature of both vaccine risks and disease threats, using verifiable data to support informed decision-making for your dog's health. The Biological Impossibility of Canine Autism The claim that vaccines cause autism in dogs is not supported by veterinary science due to fundamental biological reasons. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a human neurodevelopmental condition. Its diagnosis depends on asses...
Post a Comment
Read more

5 Must-Ask Questions Before You Leave Your Dog at the Groomer

A 2022 study in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior noted that over 50% of dogs show signs of stress during grooming. While severe physical injuries are less common, a single preventable incident is one too many. Cases like those in Louisiana, where dogs received ocular chemical burns from misused shampoo at a licensed facility, demonstrate that a groomer’s marketing claims are not a guarantee of safety. Your dog’s well-being depends on the protocols you cannot see. The only way to evaluate them is to ask direct, specific questions. The goal is not to create conflict, but to identify competence and build trust based on transparent practices. 1. “What is your exact step-by-step protocol for protecting my dog’s eyes during the bath?” The difference between a safe groom and a dangerous one lies in the specifics of execution. Indicator of a Professional “Before the bath, we apply a sterile, vet-approved ophthalmic ointment to lubricate the eyes and create a barrier against shampoo. We av...
Post a Comment
Read more

The Practical Path to a Pet-Friendly Rental: A Data-Backed Guide

“I would have lived in a tent before I surrendered my dog ,” says Valerie Ducharme, a renter who faced the Yukon's housing crisis with her Australian shepherd. Her sentiment is common. According to a 2023 Canadian Rental Housing Index report , nearly 40% of rental households include pets, yet a systematic analysis of listings in major Canadian markets shows that less than 30% explicitly welcome them. This gap creates a logistical and emotional crisis for responsible pet owners . This guide provides a concrete strategy based on documented landlord concerns and successful tenant approaches. It replaces hope with a structured plan. 1. Reframe the Conversation from Problem to Solution Landlords decline pets based on rational risk assessment. The documented primary concerns are: Property damage (chewed moldings, stained carpets) Noise disturbances leading to tenant turnover Liability issues (dog bites) Residual allergens affecting future tenants Your application must address these poin...
Post a Comment
Read more