TWO deadly snakes have been found dumped in a Southampton field.

The six-foot boa constrictors had been abandoned in a bag on Donkey Common in Thornhill.

The dangerous reptiles were found on Saturday, just yards from a school.

The RSPCA were contacted, with the national animal welfare charity appealing for the public’s help in finding those responsible.

RSPCA inspector Penny Baker said: “If anyone knows who dumped these two snakes we would urge them to get in touch with us. Many people do not fully understand how to care for reptiles properly so we are urging prospective buyers to do their research before getting one.

“Sadly, one is underweight, they also have signs of mites and possibly a respiratory infection. Snakes are dependent on their owners to provide them with the correct accommodation, heating, lighting and food.”

Jack Allen, from Southampton Reptile store, said the snakes were very popular pets and, if hungry, could attack children, dogs and cats.

He said: “If a child got near, it could easily end with a visit to hospital.

“They do have a nasty bite to them, although they’re not venomous. You could get some nasty lacerations, and see a decent amount of blood, on top of the shock.

“We don’t know how long the snakes have been out there either, they could be quite hungry. If a pet dog went near them, I don’t think they would shy away from attacking it.”

The RSPCA also said that an increasing number of snakes were being abandoned, and that they cannot survive by themselves in the wild.

Penny added: “They are not able to produce their own body heat and so being outdoors can be really serious as their body can’t function normally outside the correct temperature range.”

In 2016, the RSPCA received 6,888 calls to its cruelty line about reptiles, with 1,689 being collected by the charity – a 23 percent increase over the last five years.