Two bags of snakes were found abandoned outside a fire station in Sunderland.
The crew working the late shift at Farringdon Fire Station were shocked to discover the reptiles slithering in the bags that were dumped outside the building on Station Road on Thursday night.
After making the discovery, the team contacted the RSPCA who came to collect them and keep them safe.
A spokesperson for Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service said on Twitter: "Tonight, crews from #Farringdon fire station were shocked to discover two bags of snakes abandoned outside the station.
"We contacted the @RSPCA_official who came to rescue the snakes and keep them safe."
The RSPCA advises people to contact them on their 24-hour cruelty line on 0300 01234 999 if anyone finds an animal suffering from cruelty, neglect or in distress.
More information can be found on the RSPCA website.
