A man has been left fighting for his life in hospital after being bitten by his pet Indian Cobra.

Andrew Taylor, from Chatham, was taken by ambulance to A&E at Medway Maritime Hospital where he has spent two weeks in a coma, according to The Sun newspaper.

The 51-year-old was treated with anti-venom for the bite and zoos were contacted to see if they could supply more to treat the deadly poison, it has been reported.

The Indian Cobra’s venom can act in just 15 minutes and trigger respiratory failure and cardiac arrest.

Mr Taylor, who owns 16 snakes, could be facing legal action when he has recovered after Medway Council discovered he does not have a licence for his exotic pets.

The reptile is one of the big four snakes of India, the group of snake species which are responsible for the most human fatalities by snake bite in India.

Neighbour Jeanette Connell told KentOnline: “He lives on his own and I know that he has always had some funny pets. It’s sad to hear that he is in hospital but we don’t see him much as he tends to keep himself to himself”.

Steve Still, 55, owner of exotic pet shop Petaholics in Gillingham, said: “It is not a snake for a novice and not something I would choose to deal with. They are extremely venomous.

“They are not super aggressive snakes and would normally only attack when you surprise or disturb them.

“I’m not surprised he didn’t have a licence, Medway Council are very strict with licences."

The council, which is responsible for licences of dangerous animals, said: “The owner did not hold a Dangerous Wild Animals licence for any of the snakes and this is an offence.

"We understand the owner remains in hospital and we will pursue appropriate action once he is discharged."

The spokesman added: “Fifteen of the snakes were re-homed to a specialist premises where they will be milked to produce anti-venom to save the lives of others.

“One was destroyed due to ill health”.

It is also believed Mr Taylor owns a pet iguana and once owned a baby alligator.