An injured snake found hiding in a stable was forced to have part of its tail amputated after being attacked by a cat.

The grass snake named “Butter” was found on a plot of land at the Spirits Rest Dartford Horse and Animal Sanctuary on Sunday (February 25).

The site, in Binnie Road, Temple Hill, homes multiple horses rescued from neglect and also offers school trips to youngsters with a love for animals.

However, there was one creature which owner Christine Bates did not expect to see injured on her grounds at the weekend.

Upon visiting one of her horse's stables, Ms Bates noticed the reptile in a bad way with its tail severely injured and partly missing.

The sanctuary owner decided to call friend and councillor for Newtown ward in Dartford, Laura Edie.

Cllr Edie, who represents the Green Party, helped Butter, named by tots visiting Spirits Rest at the time, be attended to by members of Dartford Animal Rescue.

Founder, Ciara O’Hare, then carried out the rescue with Calum Laws, a volunteer at the charity, and they transported Butter across the Dartford Crossing for treatment at South Essex Wildlife Hospital in Orsett, Grays.

The snake has remained at the hospital since the weekend after undergoing a 30-minute operation on his tail.

A spokesman for the hospital said: "This poor grass snake arrived in our care after being caught by a cat.

"Sadly, it had not escaped unscathed and was left with horrific injuries to the tip of its tail.

"With the damage far too extensive to fix, the only option left was to amputate the tip.

"Luckily, the damage was far enough from and major bodily structure to allow this, and [vet] Tom rushed the snake straight into surgery.

"Once asleep, the snake was moved into our surgical theatre where everything was set up ready for the amputation.

"Luckily, amputations of this nature are a relatively simple process and Tom soon had the damaged area removed."

Butter continues to rest and receive medication at the hospital.

Once recovered, the snake, whose sex remains undetermined due to its tail now being severed, will be released back into the wild and away from any potential cats.

It is hoped this is achieved in the next week.

Cllr Edie says the support given to Butter by multiple animal carers was exceptional.

She explained: "It all happened at such short notice.

"The crew from Spirits Rest and Dartford Animal Rescue saved its life as Butter was really injured when Christine found him.

"So it's always great to hear something positive happen to an animal, as all of them have their place in the world."