CONVICTED (2022) | Ryan James Fowler, born c. 1980, of Monmow Keep, Monmouth NP25 3EX – kept 10 pet snakes in horrific conditions. Fowler was prosecuted following an RSPCA investigation. He pleaded guilty to two animal welfare offences in that he caused unnecessary suffering to a snake – a female ‘banana spider’ type royal python – by failing to get timely and appropriate veterinary advice for its poor condition. In a written statement, presented to the court RSPCA inspector Sophie Daniels said she found 10 snakes in Fowler’s flat. Eight were found in a bedroom – seven of these were royal pythons and one was a boa constrictor. She said: “All eight snakes were contained in small plastic tubs with no hide or enrichment provided. “None of the snakes were able to stretch out to their full length and in several cases, not even half their length. “None of the snakes had any water. The room was smelly.” She said that all the snakes except one appeared to be underweight or dehydrated to varying degrees. One of them was extremely thin and had a very triangular body shape and was also far less responsive than the other snakes, it was said. In a written statement provided to the court from a veterinary surgeon, it was stated that they believed that all of the snakes apart from one were in a poor body condition. The snakes were seized and placed in the care of the RSPCA. There has been an improvement in their condition and they will now be rehomed. Sentencing | £1,190 in a fine, costs and a surcharge. Banned from keeping reptiles for five years (expires October 2027). South Wales Argus