The snake named Butter, who had its tail bitten by a cat, was originally found at Spirits Rest Dartford Horse & Animal Sanctuary – run by Christine Bates.
Butter, as named by sanctuary children, was “left with horrific injuries to the tip of his tail” and according to an animal hospital “the damage was far too extensive to fix”.
Green Councillor Laura Edie then contacted Dartford Animal Rescue for further help.
The founder of the Dartford Animal Rescue Ciara O’Hare coordinated the rescue and Calum Laws, a volunteer at the charity, transported Butter for treatment at South Essex Wildlife Hospital.
Calum Laws to collect and take straight to the specialist vet, Tom, at South Essex Wildlife Hospital (Image: Dartford Animal Rescue)
The snake had to have his tail tip amputated and was put to sleep for the procedure.
The team shared in a statement on Facebook: “A SNAKE! This absolutely beautiful grass snake was found at Spirits Rest Dartford Horse & Animal Sanctuary with a cat bite to his little tail.
“After a call from Green Cllr Laura Edie asking for our assistance, one of our wonderful transport volunteers Calum offered to take Butter (as named by the children at the sanctuary) off to South Essex Wildlife Hospital for expert treatment.
“Well done to everyone involved in helping Butter get the treatment he needs!
“We’re so lucky to know so many wonderful people in this wild (in both senses of the word) animal rescue community.”
A spokesperson for South Essex Wildlife hospital said: “Luckily, amputations of this nature are a relatively simple process and Tom soon had the damaged area removed.
“Although reptiles recover relatively quickly from this sort of injury, the snake will still need a little time under our care before release. Please wish him luck!”
