JAMES MCALONAN'S CRUEL NEGLIGENCE IN STOCKPORT LEADS TO BOA CONSTRICTOR'S DEATH

James McAlonan, a resident of Stockport, was found guilty of neglecting a large female boa constrictor named Bella, a case that has drawn significant attention from animal welfare authorities. Born on October 29, 1977, McAlonan’s address at the time was Devon Close, Brinnington, Stockport SK5 8DD. His failure to properly care for Bella resulted in her suffering from severe health issues, ultimately leading to her being euthanized.

McAlonan was charged with two violations under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. The charges stemmed from his neglect that caused unnecessary suffering and his failure to meet the basic needs of Bella, who was kept in a cramped vivarium measuring only 4 feet by 2 feet. Despite keeping other reptiles, including turtles, at his home, Bella’s condition was dire. She was suffering from a serious mouth infection, which had gone untreated, and her overall health was in decline.

The RSPCA described her condition as distressing. Her skin was scabbed and bleeding, and she was living in what they termed 'inadequate conditions.' The internal temperature of her enclosure was alarmingly low, between 13.3°C and 13.8°C, far below what is necessary for a snake of her size to thrive. The enclosure was also too small for a seven-foot-long boa constrictor, which further compromised her well-being.

Inspector Demi Hodby from the RSPCA was called to McAlonan’s flat by police officers who had executed a warrant on February 18, 2021. The warrant was issued following reports that the boa constrictor was loose inside the property, raising concerns about her safety and welfare. During her visit, Inspector Hodby observed that Bella was very cold to the touch, indicating her poor health. She noted the vivarium’s temperature was dangerously low, and there was no food or water available for the snake.

In her statement to the court, Inspector Hodby described Bella’s condition: she was unable to close her mouth properly, with saliva around the infected area, a large lump under her chin, and skin that was scabby and bleeding. She also appeared to be in a very poor shed. McAlonan permitted the inspector to take Bella to a veterinarian, but her condition was so critical that she had to be euthanized. Veterinarian Aiden Raftery examined Bella and reported that she was suffering from painful mouth lesions and skin abnormalities that could not be cured.

The RSPCA highlighted that the snake should have been housed in a vivarium measuring at least 7 feet by 3 feet 4 inches to meet her needs. In his expert report, Dr. Raftery explained that inadequate environmental temperatures predisposed Bella to infections, and the extent of her mouth infection had taken weeks to develop to such a severe state.

In mitigation, the court was informed that McAlonan had voluntarily signed over ownership of Bella to the RSPCA prior to the proceedings. After the case concluded, Inspector Hodby commented on the tragedy, stating, “This snake died because of poor husbandry as the temperatures she was being kept at meant she developed a viral infection. Caring for a snake like a boa requires more expert knowledge and he should have done his research.”

The court sentenced McAlonan to a 12-month community order, which includes 75 hours of unpaid work and 15 days of rehabilitation activities. Additionally, he was ordered to pay £400 in costs. His license to keep exotic animals was revoked for two years, with the ban set to expire in June 2024.