A landlord’s worst nightmare came true when a former tenant left behind her collection of 22 tarantulas – some of which had escaped.
The large collection was abandoned and left to die when the tenant moved from the property.
Some of the spiders had already perished while others had escaped from their vivariums, meaning the property had to be combed inch by inch.
Other enclosures were overturned and their occupants were found inside the rental flat in Salford, Greater Manchester.
RSPCA animal rescue officer David Cottingham was called following a report from a concerned individual with access.
The caller had noticed the spiders had been left unattended and had tried to contact the former tenant without success.
Mr Cottingham found several plastic tubs and vivariums – many without secure lids – scattered across the floor.
Some contained dead spiders, while others appeared empty.
One of the tarantulas found at the flat in Salford, Greater Manchester having been abandoned by a former tenant
The flat had been left in a state of disarray, with many of the vivariums that the spiders live in left overturned and scattered across the floor
Following an inspection, four live tarantulas were found and collected by the RSPCA while a number had died
Three of the tanks used to house the spiders, which were abandoned by the former tenant – who signed over ownership of the surviving animals to the RSPCA through a third party
Four live tarantulas were also found and collected by the RSPCA and have now been rehomed by a reptile specialist.
Mr Cottingham said: ‘This was a very upsetting situation. These exotic animals had clearly been left behind without proper care or concern.
‘Tarantulas require specific housing, temperature, and humidity levels to survive – conditions that had clearly not been met. It’s lucky we were able to save the four that we did.’
The former tenant, who had been placed in emergency accommodation, admitted over the phone that she had left the spiders behind.
She signed over ownership of the surviving animals to the RSPCA through a third party.
She was unable to say how many spiders had originally been present – estimating as many as 22.
Mr Cottingham, who carried out the rescue on June 23, added: ‘This case highlights why exotic pets, including invertebrates like tarantulas, should only ever be kept by individuals who fully understand and are prepared for the commitment and responsibility involved.
‘These spiders suffered needlessly due to abandonment and neglect, and it could have been much worse if they had gone unnoticed.’
