A woman who posted an image online of her pet Royal python crushing what appeared to be a very young puppy to death is currently under investigation by the Seprona animal protection unit of the Guardia Civil in Granada, Spain. According to the Local, a volunteer at a local animal shelter came across the photo after reading an online advertisement offering the snake for sale.

When the worker went undercover and posed as a prospective buyer, she asked about the photo of the snake showing the puppy being crushed. The woman allegedly admitted she had been feeding her snake puppies, birds and kittens. Royal pythons crush their prey to death until they can no longer breathe.

The owner of the snake could face felony charges of animal abuse. The non venomous reptiles can live for 30 years while kept in captivity and generally grow to a length of five feet. Considered friendly, they are the most popular pet snakes in the world.

(Photo of Royal python via screenshot of Local)

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