Meridian Rspca

Two of the animals, found to be in the care of Margaret Porter from Gosport, had to be put to sleep, while four others had to have a limb amputated.

Last year, across the South and the Thames Valley, more than 1600 animals were left without a home, an increase of 14 per cent compared to 2021.

Lucio the Ornate Monitor Lizard, who is 4ft long, was taken in by the charity in June 2022 when he weighed 32.6lb (14.8kg).