Originally reported by the Daily Mail
A horrified Salford landlord was left battling a real-life spider invasion after a former tenant abandoned a collection of up to 22 tarantulas — with some already on the crawl.
When the tenant moved out, the creepy crawlies were simply left behind to die, their overturned vivariums and smashed tubs strewn across the flat. Several had already escaped, forcing rescuers to search every dark corner in case the hairy beasts were lurking.
RSPCA officer David Cottingham, who answered the emergency call on June 23, found dead spiders lying in open containers — and four still alive, clinging to life.
“These exotic animals had clearly been left without proper care or concern,” he said. “It’s lucky we were able to save the four that we did.”
The former tenant later admitted abandoning the pets, claiming she couldn’t remember exactly how many she had — but guessed as many as 22. The survivors have since been rehomed by a reptile specialist.
The RSPCA is warning would-be owners that tarantulas, like all exotic pets, demand serious commitment — or risk scenes that belong in a horror film.