Hissing in action... snake stolen in Co Meath

Family makes appeal after albino boa constrictor Jenga taken

Elaine Keogh

A family in Meath is appealing for information on its unique pet snake that was stolen, possibly to order, and they fear she could now be in need of veterinary attention.

"If an albino boa constrictor pops up anywhere in Ireland it will be mine. She is 6 feet long and is the only one of her kind in Ireland," said Joanna Lynch yesterday.

‘Jenga’ has been the family pet for eight years but thieves took her from her heated tank and unless she is properly cared for Joanna (26) said she will die.

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"We just want her back. There will be no questions asked and there is a reward," she said last night from the family home just outside Duleek, Co Meath.

Her partner Darren Ryan (30) said, "to take a family pet is the lowest of the low. I wouldn't mind if they took the car radio or something like that but don't take a live animal."

Joanna said the theft took place sometime between midnight and 6am last Saturday and, “Jenga needs to be kept warm and she was kept at about 30 degrees Celcuis. If she has not been kept warm the chances are that she is not alive. If she is alive she will be sick, have a respiratory infection and need an antibiotic.”

Garda Sgt Dean Kerins, Crime Prevention Officer for Meath, said it was likely that, "she was taken by somebody familiar with handling snakes so she could have been stolen to order possibly for somebody with an interest in them."

Joanna said “we just want her back. If anybody knows anything will they please contact the gardai or me on 086-3373327.”