Bearded dragon reptile abandoned due to cost of living

The creature was found by Vicky Parfitt after her dog alerted her to it while on a walk on Mendham Lane in Harleston.

Ms Parfitt said: "We found it in a ditch by the side of the road when our dog sniffed it out, we thought it was a pile of stones at first but then it moved!"

The reptile was then handed to Martyn Winspear who took it to Swallow Aquatics Rescue in East Harling, where it is now being cared for.

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The bearded dragon being delivered to Swallow Aquatics (Image: Martyn Winspear)

A spokesman for the shop said: "Due to the rising cost of living people see the cost of heating their enclosures as unnecessary."

READ: RSPCA inundated with animals due to cost of living crisis 

"He's doing fine and hasn't been adopted yet but he still needs to put some weight on as he was given to us in a poor condition after mistreatment from the owner."

He is now waiting to find a new owner at Swallow Aquatics in East Harling (Image: Martyn Winspear)

A Norwich-based reptile expert warned last winter that owners have a 'misconception' of the amount it costs to keep the pets.