EXOTIC pets are being starved and kept in inadequate conditions as their owners do not understand how to care for them, the RSPCA has claimed.

The charity's new Handle With Care campaign is aimed at preventing the mistreatment of pets such as snakes, tarantulas and iguanas.

And at the launch in Accrington Animal Care Centre, in Altham, experts highlighted the plight of two iguanas abandoned in a Colne caravan. In October 2002, the tenants vanished leaving the two three-foot long reptiles behind in a makeshift tank. They were discovered when the landlord made a routine visit to the caravan.

But RSPCA inspector Sarah Hayland said the re-homed animals could have died.

She said: "Like all animals, owning exotics is a lifelong commitment. People should know exactly what they are getting into. There is no excuse for abandoning an animal in this way."

A survey of RSPCA vets revealed there was concern that the number of exotic pets suffering due to their owners' ignorance is on the increase.

James Ratcliff, an animal collection officer from the RSPCA's exotic animals team, said: "At one time the RSPCA took the stance that exotic animals did not make suitable pets but there are now a wealth of people with the experience to look after them.

"We need to work with these people because there are more people out there buying these pets without the knowledge."

He also recommend people read up on pets before they buy and join an exotic pet club, as well as raise the issue of stores selling animals to inexperienced owners.