That is awful. Did he ever find out what she did with his snake?
I'd probably break up with her, I mean if my boyfriend just got rid of one of my animals... I'd be livid. I didn't talk to my parents for weeks when they put my horse down with out telling me, but those are my parents. I don't think any guy could get away with something like that. No matter how long we had been together. So he shouldn't let her get away with it either.
As for his own place, can he afford it? Do you have any friends looking for roommates? I hope he finds out what she did with the snake. If only for peace of mind.