( CNN ) -- South African animal welfare inspectors say they seized an exotic snake that a traditional healer was using to try to influence World Cup matches . Investigators found the 9-foot , female Burmese python in `` dire condition '' last week in a shack where the healer had set up shop in Cape Town , said Sarah Scarth , a spokeswoman for the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals . `` He 'd been ostensibly taking money , and apparently using ( the snake ) as a medium to speak to the ancestors and appeal to them , '' she told CNN Tuesday . Local authorities tipped off the SPCA , Scarth said . The python was suffering from pneumonia , mouth rot and dehydration when inspectors found him . `` It had no access to any food or water , '' she said . The snake 's condition has improved under a veterinarian 's care , she said . She said the SPCA would not be pursuing animal cruelty charges in the case because the sangoma , or healer , signed over ownership of the snake to the SPCA after meeting with officials . Last week 's seizure was not the first animal-related incident during the World Cup , Scarth said . In one of the early games , security officials confiscated a rooster that a French fan had brought into the stadium , she said .
Animal welfare organization says 9-foot Burmese python was in `` dire condition '' Investigators seized snake from shack . Healer was using the python to try to influence World Cup results . The snake is responding well to veterinary treatment .