Is it legal to walk around outside with your snake?

I live in the UK and want to know if its legal to walk around town with a snake haha just curious i dont do this. Is it legal in any contry?

JAYDON.

I regularly take my ball python for walks and have never had an issue, although I live in the U.S. I can't see anyone having a problem with it, and if you are approached by someone of the law, explain how you just didn't know.

I suppose it depends on where you are. If there are no specific laws against it, and there probably aren't since most places wouldn't take the time to bother passing such a law, then it should be fine. I wouldn't recommend it though because if enough people complain to local government officials then there WOULD be a law against it.

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Originally Posted by jaydoncooper2

I live in the UK and want to know if its legal to walk around town with a snake haha just curious i dont do this. Is it legal in any country?

JAYDON.

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There is nothing in the bylaws for Toronto, Canada prohibiting taking a ball python outside. Most of the bylaws relate to the care and welfare of the pets, and outdoor activities/control of dogs and cats. And there's a list of prohibited animals.

Vanouri, do you have it round your neck and are you allowed into stores

JAYDON.

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Originally Posted by jaydoncooper2

Vanouri, do you have it round your neck and are you allowed into stores

JAYDON.

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I would venture to say that it would depend on the store. Personally, I can't think of any good reasons to have it around your neck while shopping in the first place.

I take my larger snakes out in the yard for sun and fresh air periodically when the weather is nice. I'm a bit hesitant to do it with the smaller ones though, as we have hawks in the area.

I take my ball out and about all the time. I live in the US, but there are no laws where I live against it. I take them into stores, any store that a dog is allowed in, my ball python is allowed in. That's the way I see it.

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Originally Posted by Eric Alan

I would venture to say that it would depend on the store. Personally, I can't think of any good reasons to have it around your neck while shopping in the first place.

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1. To get a second opinion.
2. To see if the colour/pattern of your purchase clashes with or complements your snake's colouration.

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Originally Posted by The Golem

1. To get a second opinion.
2. To see if the colour/pattern of your purchase clashes with or complements your snake's colouration.

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A second opinion on what?

The snake doesn't care what colors your decorations are. But bringing a picture of your snake would be less stressful to the animal than bringing the actual snake.

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Originally Posted by jaydoncooper2

Vanouri, do you have it round your neck and are you allowed into stores

JAYDON.

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I do keep her around my neck, she's become a local celebrity. Depends on the store, most people don't even notice her honestly.

In my opinion, unless the animal is in the privacy of your own home/yard, there is no reason to take it anywhere besides the vet. The vas majority of people have intense fears of snakes, and taking them in public often times does more harm than good... Especially with all the drama around the Lacey Act here in the states, all reptile keepers need to be respectful and do everything they can to lay low and not cause commotion. The few people I have known who handle their snakes for hours a day and tote their snake around with them have issues with the snakes getting respiratory infections, mites, refusing food, etc.

I don't really see any benefit for the snake, and it seems like a selfish thing for the human to do, in my opinion at least. All the time outside of the enclosure is time away from proper husbandry and increased levels of stress for the snake. If I want to take a pet with me somewhere to a pet friendly place it is my dog. To the person who said they take their snake anywhere a dog is allowed, just because a place is dog friendly doesn't mean it is reptile, especially snake, friendly, and we need to respect that.

I used to work in a small pet store in Florida, and I have literally seen people pass out or get physically violent towards someone when there was a snake around their neck or in their hand, even though they knew our store also sold reptiles.

I wouldn't do it myself. I've seen someone at the local kroger that had their beardie with them, and honestly I was just thinking about how people at a grocery store could cause a fuss about the health hazards. Not to mention that my beardie is particularly fussy when out and about, and most of my snakes aren't willing to hold still either, so I can't imagine it being a pleasant experience for me or my pets. Oh, and then there's the super fun part when your out in public with an animal and random people come up to touch it without asking, or small children scream in excitement because it's something they don't usually get to see. When we would take our beardie to the pet store and couldn't get through shopping with any kind of speed due to everyone asking to hold her and some people being offended when they were told no (You can absolutely not hold my bolty dragon who has to be leashed to be in public!).

It ended up being such a hassle that we quit taking her anywhere, and I just wouldn't do it with my snakes who are a good deal more shy.

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Originally Posted by Marissa@MKmorphs

In my opinion, unless the animal is in the privacy of your own home/yard, there is no reason to take it anywhere besides the vet. The vas majority of people have intense fears of snakes, and taking them in public often times does more harm than good... Especially with all the drama around the Lacey Act here in the states, all reptile keepers need to be respectful and do everything they can to lay low and not cause commotion. The few people I have known who handle their snakes for hours a day and tote their snake around with them have issues with the snakes getting respiratory infections, mites, refusing food, etc.

I don't really see any benefit for the snake, and it seems like a selfish thing for the human to do, in my opinion at least. All the time outside of the enclosure is time away from proper husbandry and increased levels of stress for the snake. If I want to take a pet with me somewhere to a pet friendly place it is my dog. To the person who said they take their snake anywhere a dog is allowed, just because a place is dog friendly doesn't mean it is reptile, especially snake, friendly, and we need to respect that.

I used to work in a small pet store in Florida, and I have literally seen people pass out or get physically violent towards someone when there was a snake around their neck or in their hand, even though they knew our store also sold reptiles.

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Kudos to you MKmorphs you took the words out of my mouth! People who take their animals beyond the confines of their homes and out into the public arena are taking unnecessary risks. A lot of the keepers who do that are just showing off. If they were really responsible reptile keepers they would be respectful of some peoples fears of snakes. Right, the person who said they take their snake anywhere a dog is allowed obviously doesn't even know the difference between a domestic pet versus a exotic pet. Some herp keepers just continue to make it more and more difficult for other responsible keepers. USARK is out here fighting the government for the rights of people to own these exotic animals but some of us could care less as evidenced by the actions of some. :salute: :gj: :salute:

I've known of people who would take their monitors on leashed walks that they seemed to really enjoy, but that was on private property without a bunch of frightened or over-enthusiastic people around.

EDIT: Some pet store employees don't even like reptiles. I got my first snake because he escaped and the cashier told me I could have him for free if I could catch him because she was afraid to handle the snakes. And this was a newborn garter... So, like, smaller than your typical nightcrawler.

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Originally Posted by Albert Clark

Kudos to you MKmorphs you took the words out of my mouth! People who take their animals beyond the confines of their homes and out into the public arena are taking unnecessary risks. A lot of the keepers who do that are just showing off. If they were really responsible reptile keepers they would be respectful of some peoples fears of snakes. Right, the person who said they take their snake anywhere a dog is allowed obviously doesn't even know the difference between a domestic pet versus a exotic pet. Some herp keepers just continue to make it more and more difficult for other responsible keepers. USARK is out here fighting the government for the rights of people to own these exotic animals but some of us could care less as evidenced by the actions of some. :salute: :gj: :salute:

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I would like to disagree with both of you. How you raise and take care of your snakes is your own business. My snake personally loves going out, meeting new people and sight seeing. Yes there are people who don't like snakes, and if they are respectful human beings, they will remove themselves from the situation. I've taken my Vraska on walks for as long as I've had her. Never ever had an issue with her being sick or stressed. Raising a snake is much like raising a child, so don't call one's way of raising "irresponsible" just because it doesn't fit your standards. Thanks

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Originally Posted by DVirginiana

A second opinion on what?

The snake doesn't care what colors your decorations are. But bringing a picture of your snake would be less stressful to the animal than bringing the actual snake.

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A second opinion on the outfit of course!

Me: "Howard does this dress make me look fat? Slither right for yes, and left for no....."
Howard: *rolls over and begins to wobble*
Me: "Well alright then..." *returns dress to rack and goes home*

[emoji6][emoji6][emoji6]

I'm only joking [emoji216][emoji171]

I have taken my girl to

1) The breeder's who made her, when I go to pick up mice, either so they can see how big she's gotten, or if I have a concern about a weird scale or something. I'm a paranoid mama.

2) Our most recent Renaissance Faire, at request of an organizer, for education of kids, in a zone where it was noted there were "unique" animals.

3) Outside on my porch sometimes.

This became a huge debate on my Facebook group the other day. Please no one be irresponsible, if not for your snake's sake then for the sake of every keeper who could lose their animal if laws made us unable to have them.

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Originally Posted by jaydoncooper2

I live in the UK and want to know if its legal to walk around town with a snake haha just curious i dont do this. Is it legal in any contry?

JAYDON.

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I live in the UK too.

there are no laws about it - but given the normal temp range etc over here it is a really bad idea anyway.

Plus for every person who likes your pet there are at least ten who will not and one who will be terrified. For the sake of the possible bad press for the hobby please just don't do it.


dr del

I've kept snakes for many years now, and I realize how most people are with them. Most people being deathly afraid of them, I try not to bring them in public just because I know there's a great chance people will act negatively. Every now and then I'll take some of mine out into my own yard for some sunshine. No need bringing them into public unessecarily. I love my snakes to death but some people act like they'll kill them any chance the snakes get :rolleyes:

Oh i was never planning on doing it but i know some strange pets are taken outside i was wonderinf thats all

JAYDON.

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Originally Posted by kinley

A second opinion on the outfit of course!

Me: "Howard does this dress make me look fat? Slither right for yes, and left for no....."
Howard: *rolls over and begins to wobble*
Me: "Well alright then..." *returns dress to rack and goes home*

[emoji6][emoji6][emoji6]

I'm only joking [emoji216][emoji171]

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Thank you for getting my sense of humour. Some of the people here are so serious! And somewhat inconsistent.

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Originally Posted by Vanouri

I would like to disagree with both of you. How you raise and take care of your snakes is your own business. My snake personally loves going out, meeting new people and sight seeing. Yes there are people who don't like snakes, and if they are respectful human beings, they will remove themselves from the situation. I've taken my Vraska on walks for as long as I've had her. Never ever had an issue with her being sick or stressed. Raising a snake is much like raising a child, so don't call one's way of raising "irresponsible" just because it doesn't fit your standards. Thanks

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Yeah I'm in the process of training my little guy to be comfortable around my neck, putting him there and sitting/walking around at home for increasing durations.

I find the attitude about only ever keeping snakes trapped in an opaque plastic tub, strange. At any reptile expo there are hundreds of snakes "out in public", in less than optimal husbandry conditions, yet the snakes manage to survive the 'ordeal' of being transported, seen and handled by many strangers in a bright and noisy environment for hours.

The environment of a reptile expo is very different than the environment of a supermarket or department store. A lot of vendors at the shows I frequent have heat tape set up under their displays, so the husbandry is as optimal as possible for the time it lasts. Besides, people expect to see these animals at an expo. You guys who think going to random public places with your snakes is acceptable have obviously never experiences a terrified individual threatening to either kill your animal or call the police. I don't keep my animals in opaque tubs their entire lives, I have a private living space where I can allow them some very closely monitored roaming time.

So many people tend to just assume their snake enjoys something based on silly factors. How many people here claim their snakes enjoy soaking? How many of those snakes would actually crawl into a tub of water of their own volition? Even if my some twisted science you could actually prove your snake does enjoy going out in public; so what? Kids like candy and hate naps, do you think giving them what they want is going to be the healthiest option for them at the end of the day? You are the animals owner, it's well being is your responsibility. Enjoying people's stares in public is selfish and in poor spirit.

This reminds me of this guy who would bring his snake to the beach every weekend..

Very large 10+ foot albino python but not sure which specific species

Not outside, not around the neck. Old school. No apologies.

I go on walks with my ball python around my neck, but never in terribly public places. I wouldn't dare go into some random store with him, in fact the only store I would take him in is a pet store. Why do I do it? Well, I think it's wonderful for any animal to get real sunlight, and he's a pretty curious little guy and is always periscoping and tongue flicking on walks:) I guess you could say he's enjoying it, he's definitely not scared!


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

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Originally Posted by Sonny1318

Not outside, not around the neck. Old school. No apologies.

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Ok outside in your yard, for photos. But attention, no. My daughters school even encouraged her to do a science fair project with them. And we are (Punnett Square). But to go to the store, no. And if you like them around your neck, more power to you. Hygiene, safety again no. Here come the I'm wrong comments. Just because it's not illegal, doesn't make it a good thing.

I don't see anything inherently wrong health-wise or hygienically with letting a BP sit around your neck? May not be a great idea with some of the really big constrictors, but a quick swipe with a washcloth or some GermX afterward would clean your neck just as good as it does your hands.

I would never take any of my current animals outside for any reason. They're just too small and easily lost. They're only slow till they decide to motor (even my box turtle) and then you've turned away for five seconds and they're gone. I might if I had a large tortoise or a big lizard, but otherwise I'd be too worried about an escape attempt. I give my turtle supervised roaming time in my reptile room, and even then I've had to go on hunts trying to find her. The amount of time it takes for reptiles to disappear on you is just almost nonexistant.

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Originally Posted by DVirginiana

I would never take any of my current animals outside for any reason. They're just too small and easily lost. They're only slow till they decide to motor (even my box turtle) and then you've turned away for five seconds and they're gone. I might if I had a large tortoise or a big lizard, but otherwise I'd be too worried about an escape attempt. I give my turtle supervised roaming time in my reptile room, and even then I've had to go on hunts trying to find her. The amount of time it takes for reptiles to disappear on you is just almost nonexistant.

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Runaway turtle solution

http://iruntheinternet.com/lulzdump/...387638896n.jpg

OMG I need to try that. It'd be so cute. I already make her little party hats sometimes, and a blastoise costume for Halloween one year lol. She doesn't seem to notice or care, so I figure no harm done :P

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Originally Posted by DVirginiana

I don't see anything inherently wrong health-wise or hygienically with letting a BP sit around your neck? May not be a great idea with some of the really big constrictors, but a quick swipe with a washcloth or some GermX afterward would clean your neck just as good as it does your hands.

I would never take any of my current animals outside for any reason. They're just too small and easily lost. They're only slow till they decide to motor (even my box turtle) and then you've turned away for five seconds and they're gone. I might if I had a large tortoise or a big lizard, but otherwise I'd be too worried about an escape attempt. I give my turtle supervised roaming time in my reptile room, and even then I've had to go on hunts trying to find her. The amount of time it takes for reptiles to disappear on you is just almost nonexistant.

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Then let's agree, not to agree. 😉 Not all us will have the same views or opinions. And you very respectively shared yours. 😊

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Originally Posted by Sonny1318

Then let's agree, not to agree. 😉 Not all us will have the same views or opinions. And you very respectively shared yours. 😊

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I'm just curious as to why you're so opposed to someone letting their BP sit around their neck since you never gave a reason for it. I don't care that you don't want to do it, and I doubt the snakes care either, it's just when someone recommends or un-recommends something to other keepers it's good to know the reasoning behind it.
If the reason is that it just bugs you personally, that's perfectly fine, but other people reading this thread should know that's the reason, and it's not because it harms you or the snake. If you have other reasons that you think it is bad for either the keeper or the snake, I'd like to know that as well. Just asking for clarification since 'you shouldn't let your BP sit on your neck/shoulders' isn't a very commonly heard piece of advice.

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Originally Posted by DVirginiana

I'm just curious as to why you're so opposed to someone letting their BP sit around their neck since you never gave a reason for it. I don't care that you don't want to do it, and I doubt the snakes care either, it's just when someone recommends or un-recommends something to other keepers it's good to know the reasoning behind it.
If the reason is that it just bugs you personally, that's perfectly fine, but other people reading this thread should know that's the reason, and it's not because it harms you or the snake. If you have other reasons that you think it is bad for either the keeper or the snake, I'd like to know that as well. Just asking for clarification since 'you shouldn't let your BP sit on your neck/shoulders' isn't a very commonly heard piece of advice.

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Because it is not a very healthy habit to let reptiles of any kind to get near your facial area. It's sort of a no brainier. It's not sanitary or "good hygiene". And after years of keeping large constrictors it could be very hazardous. Sorry to say this, but you think an experienced keeper would be aware of these things. Not to mention if it did decide to bite you, your face would make an excellent target. Remember And anything that slithers in its own waste is not something I would want by my head in general. And with your mouth emitting all that heat, what a target. Need I say more.

Okay, I was just curious. As I said, I could see it getting dangerous with big constrictors, but as long as you take reasonable precautions I personally think the hygienic bit could be made safe; after all, dogs lick their rear ends and we still let them give us kisses and lick our hands lol. I don't do it simply because it's something I've never really had the desire to do, but occasionally I've had one of my snakes crawl up my arm and really thought nothing of it. Just made sure to wash the area off like I do my hands.
I understand the thinking behind the bite risk, and I certainly have animals (including a six inch long garter) that I wouldn't let anywhere near my face because of their temperament, while some I feel I can predict well enough to avoid a bite to the facial area.

To each his own though. Your reasoning is solid, I think it's just a matter of each keeper's assessment of the risks involved. Like I said, I was just interested in hearing your thoughts behind it.

Just out of curiosity:

What do you think your snakes are getting by being bandied about in public? I mean, other than drawing attention to yourselves, what benefit is there to the animal?

Now, ball pythons are nocturnal, maybe nominally crepuscular. Studies have shown that they do not benefit in many of the ways other reptiles do with regards to calcium metabolism and UV.

So if their instinct is to den somewhere safe during the day, what psychological effect do you think it has on them to haul them into the sunlight and talk them for walks, take them to the store, etc.?

OK, I get that a couple of you are going to get extremely defensive, probably even huffy and pissy....and from some of you I would expect no less.

For the rest of you that condone this behavior and can answer the question without getting defensive, please enlighten me as to the benefits to the animal. Again, "conversation piece" does not constitute a cogent reason, nor does "educating the public". Your job as keeper is to provide a healthy environment that minimizes stress.

Thanks in advance.

I pretty much agree with that actually. The only real exception I would see is if someone were doing an actual formal educational program. We occasionally had those at my elementary school when I was growing up and I can honestly say they did a lot to influence my thinking on reptiles. But, yeah that's kind of a different ballpark than taking a snake to the store with you.

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Originally Posted by DVirginiana

I pretty much agree with that actually. The only real exception I would see is if someone were doing an actual formal educational program. We occasionally had those at my elementary school when I was growing up and I can honestly say they did a lot to influence my thinking on reptiles. But, yeah that's kind of a different ballpark than taking a snake to the store with you.

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With diurnal species that benefit from sunlight, I would suggest people build outdoor enclosures if they are so darned concerned about the lack of UV or space. I live in northern California and have built outdoor pens for various animals to enjoy SUPERVISED outdoor time. Only animals that do not show signs of stress are taken into the pens.

However, in ball pythons, this is of no moment.

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Originally Posted by Skiploder

With diurnal species that benefit from sunlight, I would suggest people build outdoor enclosures if they are so darned concerned about the lack of UV or space.

However, in ball pythons, this is of no moment.

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The only time I ever took an animal outside for sun was when I first got my turtle and, being kind of a surprise rescue, I didn't have all the equipment I needed for her. Even then she was in a box, as I never trust an animal to roam around on its own without running off.

The idea of taking any of mine outside just makes me cringe because there's so much that could go wrong, and I'd never stop beating myself up over it if something happened while I was doing something that the animal didn't even need or want.

I wish I could "reply with thread" to like 10 of these. Like good god why are you all so mean.....:confusd:

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Originally Posted by EMSPrincess

I wish I could "reply with thread" to like 10 of these. Like good god why are you all so mean.....:confusd:

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Please elaborate....

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Originally Posted by Sonny1318

Please elaborate....

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I actually thought this thread was pretty mild compared to a lot of what I've seen on here lol

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Originally Posted by DVirginiana

I actually thought this thread was pretty mild compared to a lot of what I've seen on here lol

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Exactly...

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Originally Posted by Sonny1318

Please elaborate....

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Well, Sonny....

The only logical explanation is that she understands how cruel it is too take a shy, retiring, easily stressed, nocturnal animal and show it off in public like a new pair of shoes.

Right....?

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Originally Posted by Daigga

The environment of a reptile expo is very different than the environment of a supermarket or department store. A lot of vendors at the shows I frequent have heat tape set up under their displays, so the husbandry is as optimal as possible for the time it lasts. Besides, people expect to see these animals at an expo. You guys who think going to random public places with your snakes is acceptable have obviously never experiences a terrified individual threatening to either kill your animal or call the police. I don't keep my animals in opaque tubs their entire lives, I have a private living space where I can allow them some very closely monitored roaming time.

So many people tend to just assume their snake enjoys something based on silly factors. How many people here claim their snakes enjoy soaking? How many of those snakes would actually crawl into a tub of water of their own volition? Even if my some twisted science you could actually prove your snake does enjoy going out in public; so what? Kids like candy and hate naps, do you think giving them what they want is going to be the healthiest option for them at the end of the day? You are the animals owner, it's well being is your responsibility. Enjoying people's stares in public is selfish and in poor spirit.

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Hear hear!

I selfishly take my boa outside to get awesome pictures of her. In my own backyard. With high walls so that potentially nosy neighbors don't see how big she is. It doesn't really benefit her at all. I just like taking nice pictures. But that is it. It's outside for a few minutes to take some pictures, then back inside to proper conditions.

When my friends learn I have a boa, and they want to meet her, they get to, but otherwise I am so scared of drawing unwanted attention, the last thing I want to do is parade her around. I don't want someone to make it their personal goal to see my pets banned.

I'm sorry if it offends anyone, but honestly people who take their snakes to the park or other very public places often seem to be doing it for attention. I think that as responsible pet owners, we should always ask ourselves, "are we doing it for our animal's benefit, or for our own?" And I don't keep reptiles to be interesting, or different, or cool. I keep them because I like to keep them them, and I keep to myself about it.

There is a lot of grey area if you base every decision on what is best for the animal, staying in an unspoiled natural habitat is "best", but then we miss out on any interaction with them, so there will always be some degree of compromise. People want to interact with their pets, we want to breed new and interesting morphs, keep a wider variety of species, show them off to others, and want to handle them while providing a relatively healthy captive environment in return. Unlike a dog that needs constant interaction and socialization for it's wellbeing, reptiles need little if any, and it could cause health problems if they are stressed from handling outside their enclosure too often, or for too long, but they can acclimate to some degree, and increase their tolerance for being handled while maintaining low stress and good health.

In practice You need to know your pet, need to know your area, and need to control ALL interactions between your pet and the public, even if you have to leave or tell someone to back off if they are doing something wrong. Balancing the risk/reward between you, the public, and your animal is a personal decision that nobody should make for you, just don't be the idiot on the news after someone gets hurt, and don't be so concerned for the fears of others that you hide your animals like you are some sort of criminal. There is a fine line with public exposure of many things between managing fear and ignorance and the goal of normalizing interactions and promoting understanding. I have taken snakes and Beardies out in public, although not as often as my Dogs, and have had far more positive encounters than negative, but I am selective on who I take, where and when, I transport reptiles in a heated travel bin, and put them away at the first sign of stress.

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Originally Posted by Skiploder

Well, Sonny....

The only logical explanation is that she understands how cruel it is too take a shy, retiring, easily stressed, nocturnal animal and show it off in public like a new pair of shoes.

Right....?

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No, not right. I am not talking about the personal choices people make with their pets. I talking about what seems to be the good number of people on here who are straight up rude, sarcastic, and demeaning to each other.
There is no reason to be mean when you can voice the exact same opinion in a kind way that communicates to the same depth the first method did. Especially to someone like the OP who had a honest question about the legal (not societal) ramifications of taking a snake outside.
Sonny even tried to call a truce and DVirginianna ignored it.
And then (Sonny to DVirginianna), "Sorry to say this, but you think an experienced keeper would be aware of these things." DVirginianna was asking your opinion out of curiosity, Sonny. They honestly wanted to know. And you felt the need to call them inadequate at what they do.
You, Skiploder, attacked my comment for no reason, and with the shoes statement, implied I'm some sort of materialistic air-head (thank you for that, it's really hard to find a girl who likes both snakes and shoes these days).
Albert Clark wrote "Right, the person who said they take their snake anywhere a dog is allowed obviously doesn't know the difference between a domestic pet versus a exotic pet." Albert...they know the difference. No need to put them down for voicing their opinion.
Diagga went at someone and called them selfish. No, they are not selfish. They are proud of their beautiful snake. Who wouldn't be?
None of these things actually addressed the OP's comment.
Please, be a little more kind.

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Originally Posted by EMSPrincess

No, not right. I am not talking about the personal choices people make with their pets. I talking about what seems to be the good number of people on here who are straight up rude, sarcastic, and demeaning to each other.
There is no reason to be mean when you can voice the exact same opinion in a kind way that communicates to the same depth the first method did. Especially to someone like the OP who had a honest question about the legal (not societal) ramifications of taking a snake outside.
Sonny even tried to call a truce and DVirginianna ignored it.
And then (Sonny to DVirginianna), "Sorry to say this, but you think an experienced keeper would be aware of these things." DVirginianna was asking your opinion out of curiosity, Sonny. They honestly wanted to know. And you felt the need to call them inadequate at what they do.
You, Skiploder, attacked my comment for no reason, and with the shoes statement, implied I'm some sort of materialistic air-head (thank you for that, it's really hard to find a girl who likes both snakes and shoes these days).
Albert Clark wrote "Right, the person who said they take their snake anywhere a dog is allowed obviously doesn't know the difference between a domestic pet versus a exotic pet." Albert...they know the difference. No need to put them down for voicing their opinion.
Diagga went at someone and called them selfish. No, they are not selfish. They are proud of their beautiful snake. Who wouldn't be?
None of these things actually addressed the OP's comment.
Please, be a little more kind.

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?? I didn't ignore a 'truce' because there was no 'argument'. I was curious as to why Sonny had that opinion and felt strongly enough to recommend it to others, so I asked for some clarification. Not because I particularly needed to know, but because I'd want to know if I was a new keeper reading this thread. I wasn't offended by the response because it really wasn't that offensive. I've got over ten years' experience working with snakes and I'm confident in my ability to avoid disease and injury from letting a snake sit on my shoulder. I'm also okay with Sonny choosing not to. Now that he's given his (entirely understandable) reason why, it's up to whoever is reading to decide whether the risk of sickness/injury is worth allowing their snakes on their shoulders.

Maybe I'm just immune to peoples' tone over the internet, but it basically takes someone abusing an animal for me to be emotionally invested in a forum post.:cool:

In regards to someone being selfish for taking their snake to the store with them: It may be done with good intentions, but until someone can give me one reason it's beneficial to the snake I've got to agree it's a selfish thing to do.

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Originally Posted by DVirginiana

?? I didn't ignore a 'truce' because there was no 'argument'. I was curious as to why Sonny had that opinion and felt strongly enough to recommend it to others, so I asked for some clarification. Not because I particularly needed to know, but because I'd want to know if I was a new keeper reading this thread. I wasn't offended by the response because it really wasn't that offensive. I've got over ten years' experience working with snakes and I'm confident in my ability to avoid disease and injury from letting a snake sit on my shoulder. I'm also okay with Sonny choosing not to. Now that he's given his (entirely understandable) reason why, it's up to whoever is reading to decide whether the risk of sickness/injury is worth allowing their snakes on their shoulders.

Maybe I'm just immune to peoples' tone over the internet, but it basically takes someone abusing an animal for me to be emotionally invested in a forum post.:cool:

In regards to someone being selfish for taking their snake to the store with them: It may be done with good intentions, but until someone can give me one reason it's beneficial to the snake I've got to agree it's a selfish thing to do.

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Ok..the store? No. That's gross. The park? Maybe. Far away from tiny humans and the makers of the tiny humans. But that really wasn't the point of my post...

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Originally Posted by EMSPrincess

Ok..the store? No. That's gross. The park? Maybe. Far away from tiny humans and the makers of the tiny humans. But that really wasn't the point of my post...

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...Well, the majority of my reply dealt with the other part of your post but you're only replying to my last sentence. Like I said, maybe I just have a thick skin, but I really didn't see anything that offensive in this thread.

People on this forum can be blunt, especially when it comes to things that might stress or harm a snake, and that's what I was talking about. It's better for people to discuss and be blunt about things than to let someone carry on stressing their animals for their own benefit just because they don't want to ruffle any feathers.