Parents of Child killed by Burm to be charged with manslaughter/third-degree murder

I was horrified when I first heard this story. It is still sad that a child died due to gross negligence. I am also glad that the scope of that negligence is coming to light and that perhaps the people whom condemn all owners of snakes will perhaps understand that the snake was not truly responsible for the child's death but the parent's negligence was.

Sadly, Kite, most of the time when things like this happen, people go into hysteria mode. You end up with a mob of people with pitchforks ready to get rid of all the animals because they will attack us! All of a sudden it doesn't matter how many "good" ones there are out there, they are all "bad" because they belong to a certain species or breed. Any animal has the ability to harm and become dangerous, no matter how "gentle" or "tame" it was in the past. People seem to forget that and become lax with the animal, not respecting their power and ability. The key is education. Many people get animals because they're "cool" or whatnot, and don't really know what they're getting themselves into. Hopefully out of this tragedy, some good will emerge. Both for children, adults, and the pets.

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Originally Posted by ShortStack

Sadly, Kite, most of the time when things like this happen, people go into hysteria mode. You end up with a mob of people with pitchforks ready to get rid of all the animals because they will attack us! All of a sudden it doesn't matter how many "good" ones there are out there, they are all "bad" because they belong to a certain species or breed. Any animal has the ability to harm and become dangerous, no matter how "gentle" or "tame" it was in the past. People seem to forget that and become lax with the animal, not respecting their power and ability. The key is education. Many people get animals because they're "cool" or whatnot, and don't really know what they're getting themselves into. Hopefully out of this tragedy, some good will emerge. Both for children, adults, and the pets.

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I agree with you 100%
Well said! :gj:

You know. this is going to be another reason for the USA to try and ban these snakes again. :mad:

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Originally Posted by ShortStack

Sadly, Kite, most of the time when things like this happen, people go into hysteria mode.

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Another thing you get is well intentioned people repeating as fact unsubstantiated statements.

Do you actually know that grandma made these offers? If so, how?

It's just as likely that she was supplying the drugs they were taking, got scared when the baby died, and made up all that about buying food and offering to keep.

She may also have felt guilty about NOT doing those things before the baby was killed, and some still think the parents killed the baby and framed the snake, and THEN started saying she told them she'd feed and house the snake because she felt bad, was embarrassed, felt guilty, who knows why.

The thing is, unless you have FACTS, it's all speculation.

Speculation, fifty cents and a payphone will get you a local call. Speculation alone..... well I'm sure you can figure out its worth.

I'm just glad the snake in question is recovering. Poor thing doesn't deserve to die because it was hungry and cold.

Well at least they got that sentence....personally I think it needed to much harsher. Then again I have my doubts that the snake did it. Being the druggies that they are......well you get the picture. I also think when the size of the snake was referred to...sounds like it was unfed a lot longer than a month or so. Just a sad sad story all around and the worst of it is the innocent ones in this story are the ones that suffered (child and the snake).

As far as the grandmother....she should be held accountable as well. She knew what was going on. She knew they were druggies. She should of taken that child out of the situation and called CPS as well as called someone to invetigate animal abuse.

I have a four year old (well almost 4) and trust me, as big of an Animal Lover as I am, no pet of mine will EVER come before Her! However, people need to realize that animals, when kept as PETS should be treated like Children! They have this thing called ANIMAL INSTINCT, (Humans have this also) If your pet is being forced to STARVE, it will eat anything to survive! If you cannot afford, or are just simply to lazy or "busy" to take care of your pet, bring it to ME! :) By the way people.... My pets arent spoiled, like my daughter, they are just Well Taken Care Of!

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Originally Posted by BPelizabeth

Well at least they got that sentence....personally I think it needed to much harsher. Then again I have my doubts that the snake did it. Being the druggies that they are......well you get the picture. I also think when the size of the snake was referred to...sounds like it was unfed a lot longer than a month or so. Just a sad sad story all around and the worst of it is the innocent ones in this story are the ones that suffered (child and the snake).

As far as the grandmother....she should be held accountable as well. She knew what was going on. She knew they were druggies. She should of taken that child out of the situation and called CPS as well as called someone to invetigate animal abuse.

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Ahmen to that! People like that shoul'ndt be allowed to Have Kids, let alone Pets!
"You need a license to have a dog, You need a license to drive a car, catch a fish even..... but they will let Anyone be parents!"

This is just upseting in so many ways. Poor kiddo, poor burm. But just like shortstack said people will go in hysteria regardless. They always blame it on the animal. similar with pitbulls, rots, chows. You neglect an animal and a bad outcome is bound to happen. My thoughts and prayers for the poor child lost. :(