A PET lizard was starved to death and dumped on a car bonnet in Winsford.

Jamie Sloan, 29, from Winsford, was watching a film at his family home in Wharton when he got a knock on his door from a neighbour to inform him of the sickening discovery.

Jamie made a desperate attempt to save the bearded dragon by turning the heating up throughout the house in the hope it would revive the cold-blooded reptile.

He said: “I turned all the radiators up in the house and kept it on overnight. I was hoping that it would be up and about in the morning but it wasn’t.

“I’m an animal lover and my partner and children are. We would have kept it ourselves.

“We were just bemused. You just don’t see this kind of thing. It was quite clear that it had been starved too.”

Jamie has since handed over the lizard to Willows Vets in Winsford, who have confirmed the bearded dragon likely died due to being malnourished.

The actions have been condemned by the RSPCA, who confirmed they have been contacted by a member of the public regarding a bearded dragon that was dumped on a car bonnet in Winsford.

“It is so sad to see animals dumped like this,” a RSPCA spokesman said.

"Bearded dragons are pets with complex needs, and the RSPCA encourages people to think carefully before getting one as a pet.

"They require a home that closely represents their natural habitat, with specific heating, lighting and food. Research and preparation needs to be undertaken prior to buying them too.

"Those found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal can face a maximum six month prison sentence and/or a £20,000 fine.

“Somebody must know something about this animal and who dumped it in this way and we would urge anyone with information to contact the RSPCA on 0300 123 4999."

The shocking find also sparked condemnation on Facebook after Jamie posted a picture in a bid to uncover the truth.

Debb Barrett said: “Evil swines, how can they sleep at night knowing this poor beardie was starving, people like that are a waste of air, they need the same treatment, utter scum.”

Northwich Guardian: