Exotic pet collector, 51, ‘fighting for his life in hospital after being bitten by rare Indian cobra’

  • Andrew Taylor kept exotic pets at home in Chatham, Kent including 16 snakes 
  • He is believed to have been bitten by an Indian cobra, one of world's deadliest
  • Mr Taylor said to have been in two-week coma at Medway Maritime Hospital 
  • He could face legal action if he recovers over claims he did not have licence 

By JOSEPH CURTIS FOR MAILONLINE

Published: | Updated:

A man has been left fighting for his life after being bitten by one of the world's deadliest snakes that he kept as a pet.

Andrew Taylor, 51, of Kent, is seriously ill in hospital after being bitten by an Indian cobra, responsible for around 15,000 deaths each year.

Mr Taylor is understood to have a range of exotic animals, including 16 snakes, at his home in Chatham.

Andrew Taylor, 51, is believed to have been in a coma for two weeks after being bitten by an Indian cobra, similar to this one pictured, that he kept at his Kent home

Andrew Taylor, 51, is believed to have been in a coma for two weeks after being bitten by an Indian cobra, similar to this one pictured, that he kept at his Kent home

It is believed to be the first case of an Indian cobra biting a person in the UK and Mr Taylor has been in a coma for two weeks, according to The Sun.

The snake's venom takes just 15 minutes to take effect and has been known to cause heart attacks. 

The paper reported he was treated with anti-venom at Medway Maritime Hospital, with zoos even asked if they could provide more to fight back against the deadly poison.

He is at Medway Maritime Hospital, pictured, where he is being treated with anti-venom

He is at Medway Maritime Hospital, pictured, where he is being treated with anti-venom

A source told The Sun: 'The snakes are so rare that no one knows if it is easy to get an antidote.' 

It is understood he did not have a licence for the reptiles and could face legal action if he recovers.

Neighbours described him as a 'lovely guy' but claimed he had a baby alligator in his previous home and kept an iguana at his current address, The Sun claimed. 

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