TWO pet iguanas were left abandoned and helpless in a caravan in Colne after their owners vanished without trace.

RSPCA officers today described the incident as disgraceful.

The charity discourages people from keeping exotic animals as pets due to the specialist nature of their care requirements.

The two creatures, each about 3ft long and thought to be one male adult and one female adult, were discovered by a landlord inspecting his rented caravan.

His tenants appeared to have fled, leaving behind the iguanas in a makeshift 6ft by 4ft wooden vivarium.

Stunned by his discovery, the landlord decided to contact the RSPCA for help.

RSPCA officers said that for the size of the iguanas, the cabinet they were in was much too small. The appropriate amount of space for them would be a medium-sized bedroom.

Officers have now found the animals temporary accommodation at the home of an RSPCA worker in the Chorley area.

They will soon be found a permanent home with an exotic animal specialist.

Lancashire RSPCA inspector Sarah Hill: "We will perhaps never know why the tenants left these iguanas behind but there is no excuse for abandoning animals in this way.

"The RSPCA now finds itself dealing with the difficult consequences of their irresponsible actions. Iguanas are not easy animals to look after. They will require a large living space, with specialist heating and lighting requirements.

"To ensure their future welfare, we are rehoming them with someone who has experience of caring for iguanas.

"Exotic animals do not make good pets. The RSPCA rescues about 3,700 abandoned and unwanted exotic animals, including snakes, lizards, and iguanas, every year and it can be very difficult to find suitable homes for them.

"Our simple advice to anyone thinking of getting an exotic animal as a pet is, don't do it."

Iguanas are native to various tropical countries, but most commonly found in Central and South America.