New family pet? Why not rescue a reptile

DOGS and cats are not the only pets animal lovers will be able to adopt from the RSPCA anymore.

A new partnership between RSPCA Queensland and the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection will see Queensland animal lovers able to adopt a range of native snakes and other wildlife.

Queensland Environment Minister Andrew Powell announced the trial program at the RSPCA stand at the Ekka.

"This new arrangement will save many animals from an uncertain fate," he said.

Aragon a Central Bearded Dragon.The RSPCA has introduced reptiles to its rehoming centre at Wacol due to a new partnership with the Department of Environment and Heritage. Claudia Baxter

"Every year our wildlife rangers are called on to help native birds and reptiles which, for a number of reasons, cannot be released into the wild.

"Some animals are the innocent victims of illegal activity, others are surrendered by wildlife carers whose circumstances have changed and they simply can no longer look after them."

RSPCA Queensland director of veterinary services Kevin Bradley said carpet pythons, children's pythons, bearded dragons and blue-tongue lizards were among the animals looking for homes.

"With appropriate care and attention, they are a relatively low maintenance pet," he said.