Pet rescue: RSPCA homes plea for 200 cuddly tarantulas

A COUPLE who broke up have given 200 tarantula spiders they kept in their flat to the RSPCA to be found new homes.

Among the 50 species is the Burgundy Goliath Birdeater with a leg length of up to 10in (25cm).

Others include the Venezuelan Sun Tiger, a Vietnam Blue, Brazilian White Knee, Arizona Blonde, Thai Rusty Earth Tiger, a Trinidad Chevron and a Natal Brown Birdeater.

Tom Bunsell, of the RSPCA in Brighton, said: “Sometimes with reptiles or insects, people just can't stop collecting them. They end up hoarding them, but then it gets to the point where they can't properly look after them like they should. 

“I think in this case the man had left the flat the couple lived in and left the tarantulas, and she couldn't cope any more.”

The RSPCA’s Cheryl Wood, who is helping the venomous pets build up their weight, said: “It is probably one of the largest intakes we've had of spiders coming in.

“There is a massive variety of species and they are all different sizes and shapes. Obviously they are venomous as well and need handling with care

At the moment our staff are busy checking them out and cataloguing them all but eventually we will be on the lookout for experienced owners to come forward.

“The spiders need specialist care and proper accommodation but we can offer any help and advice people may need.

She added: “There are people out there who like to keep exotic spiders as pets and we are hopeful we will be able to do something for all of these.

“We just need to make sure they are in a good condition before we let them go.”