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Family cat 'eaten by pet python' Family cat 'eaten by pet python'
(about 1 hour later)
A family has called for a change in the law after a 13ft (4m) Burmese python crushed and ate their cat.A family has called for a change in the law after a 13ft (4m) Burmese python crushed and ate their cat.
Four-year-old Wilbur, who lived with his owers in the Brislington area of Bristol, was apparently ambushed by the reptile in a neighbouring garden. Four-year-old Wilbur, who lived with his owners in the Brislington area of Bristol, was apparently ambushed by the reptile in a neighbouring garden.
Owners Martin and Helen Wadey said they heard "blood curdling cries" which they knew were being made by their pet.Owners Martin and Helen Wadey said they heard "blood curdling cries" which they knew were being made by their pet.
They said they were unable to prevent Wilbur being eaten alive by the snake, which a neighbour keeps as a pet.They said they were unable to prevent Wilbur being eaten alive by the snake, which a neighbour keeps as a pet.
Mr and Mrs Wadey said Wilbur, who had been microchipped, died on 25 June.
We can't know for certain that it was Wilbur, but it is very, very likely RSPCA spokeswomanWe can't know for certain that it was Wilbur, but it is very, very likely RSPCA spokeswoman
Mr and Mrs Wadey said Wilbur, who had been microchipped, died on 25 June.
The RSPCA said that all the evidence suggested Wilbur had indeed been swallowed by the snake.The RSPCA said that all the evidence suggested Wilbur had indeed been swallowed by the snake.
A spokeswoman said: "The snake was scanned and we can confirm that a microchip was found inside.A spokeswoman said: "The snake was scanned and we can confirm that a microchip was found inside.
"The owner was issued with a written warning about appropriate housing and care equipment. We can't know for certain that it was Wilbur, but it is very, very likely.""The owner was issued with a written warning about appropriate housing and care equipment. We can't know for certain that it was Wilbur, but it is very, very likely."
'Very distressing'
The ordeal prompted Mr Wadey, 44, to set up a campaign appealing for the Dangerous Wild Animals Act to include constrictor snakes.The ordeal prompted Mr Wadey, 44, to set up a campaign appealing for the Dangerous Wild Animals Act to include constrictor snakes.
Very distressing
He said: "We heard this screaming coming from the garden. We knew it was Wilbur, we could recognise his voice.He said: "We heard this screaming coming from the garden. We knew it was Wilbur, we could recognise his voice.
"It was amplified and like a baby screaming. It was very distressing.""It was amplified and like a baby screaming. It was very distressing."
An RSPCA inspector later issued the snake's owner, Darren Bishop, with a verbal warning about appropriate housing and care requirements.
The law currently allows anyone to walk into a pet shop and buy a python without any checks.The law currently allows anyone to walk into a pet shop and buy a python without any checks.
The Wadey's are campaigning for any potential owner to require a licence because, Mr Wadey adds, many owners underestimate the animal's "wild instincts". The Wadeys are campaigning for any potential owner to require a licence because, Mr Wadey added, many owners underestimate the snake's "wild instincts".
Mr Bishop has been unavailable for comment.Mr Bishop has been unavailable for comment.