Dangerous Snakes-Should Sales Be Banned?

[Arsinoe]

I saw on Animal Planet a show talking about how Florida is over run with Pythons and Boas now. Do you think that sales of potentially dangerous snakes,such as the breed that do get huge and the poisonous ones be restricted? Or possibly register the owners?

I find that so many people can't even handle a kitty cat and these same people want to buy something that will turn into something that can eat you. Florida wouldn't have this problem if people weren't dumping these guys when they got unmanageable and they bred in the perfect environment for them. I don't think it's fair that they now have to handle the problem by killing them, rather than dealing with how the problem started.

I think if I was a breeder of reptiles, any kind, I would require that the potential owner either exhibit some sort of knowledge on their care or actually put them through a class before I would sell them anything.....But then I would probably not be selling much of anything either.

[Jay_Bunny]

I saw on Animal Planet a show talking about how Florida is over run with Pythons and Boas now. Do you think that sales of potentially dangerous snakes,such as the breed that do get huge and the poisonous ones be restricted? Or possibly register the owners?

I find that so many people can't even handle a kitty cat and these same people want to buy something that will turn into something that can eat you. Florida wouldn't have this problem if people weren't dumping these guys when they got unmanageable and they bred in the perfect environment for them. I don't think it's fair that they now have to handle the problem by killing them, rather than dealing with how the problem started.

I think if I was a breeder of reptiles, any kind, I would require that the potential owner either exhibit some sort of knowledge on their care or actually put them through a class before I would sell them anything.....But then I would probably not be selling much of anything either.

Snakes are not poisonous, they are venomous. The larger snakes can not consume a full grown adult. A child maybe, but not an adult. There was also an instance of a hurricane coming through and destroying a Florida zoo. Several large snakes were released into the wild by accident because of this. While this is not the only reason, the problem in Florida cannot be blamed solely on keepers.

As far as "dangerous" snakes being banned, I do not believe in banning animals. Put in restrictions, fine, but banning is a little over the top. There are PLENTY of people, some right here on this forum, that keep and breed the big species. Some even handle the hots. And they do it well. They know what they are doing and would not be dumb enough to let their snakes go in the wild "because they got too big." Responsible keepers like this should not have their beloved pets banned because of a bunch of idiots. I say there should be more restrictions, especially in areas like Florida. Now, this does not go for all species, but with the larger ones, some kind of permit could be put in place. If you plan to own a large snake (I'd say anything with the potential to reach over 15ft), you have to apply for a license, submit some kind of application that shows you have knowledge of the risks and proper care of such animals.

[Elise.m]

I don't think anyone on this forum is going to say they should be banned. This has been talked about endlessly for a very long time. Try to read up on HR 669 and other banning bills. You'll have reading material for months.

[RichsBallPythons]

I saw on Animal Planet a show talking about how Florida is over run with Pythons and Boas now. Do you think that sales of potentially dangerous snakes,such as the breed that do get huge and the poisonous ones be restricted? Or possibly register the owners?

I find that so many people can't even handle a kitty cat and these same people want to buy something that will turn into something that can eat you. Florida wouldn't have this problem if people weren't dumping these guys when they got unmanageable and they bred in the perfect environment for them. I don't think it's fair that they now have to handle the problem by killing them, rather than dealing with how the problem started.

I think if I was a breeder of reptiles, any kind, I would require that the potential owner either exhibit some sort of knowledge on their care or actually put them through a class before I would sell them anything.....But then I would probably not be selling much of anything either.

First mistake there you did was Watch and listen to Animal Planet. About 99.99% they say is garbage the .01% is they get their name right.

[Jay_Bunny]

First mistake there you did was Watch and listen to Animal Planet. About 99.99% they say is garbage the .01% is they get their name right.

Hahaha. Too true. I used to love Animal Planet. Now all they want to do is show how "horrible and dangerous" all these different animals are, especially exotics.

[Wh00h0069]

Although there are some irresponsible keepers that have released their giant pythons into the wild, I believe most of the pythons came from facilities that were damaged in the hurricanes. I do think that people who buy giant pythons in areas where they can inhabit should be required to register and chip them. If they did release their snake into the wild, they would be held responsible if the snake was found.

IMO, only licensed people should be able to own venomous snakes. They should have to take a safety class to become licensed. It would also be helpful if on organization had people to inspect their snake room to make sure that they were keeping their hots in proper enclosures.

[Sariel]

Banned no.


There are far more wide spreading, dangerous alien species out there right now than the big pythons, including kitty cats ;P.
Banning the sale of pythons wont stop a problem thats far bigger than just a couple specie of snakes limited to the southern end of florida.
Education and proper coverage of the care and purchase of any reptile or exotic pet is something that should be pushed. Somthing that alot of people are working towards right now.
Animal PLanet is on the bad list of alot of reptile owners at the moment for their portrayal of released reptiles. Their questionable testimony's and fluffery have shamed a channel I once respected. IMO.


There are other options than punishing those who are responsible for their animals than an outright ban.

[Sariel]

And I totaly agree with Woohoo, you have to partner with an experienced keeper and prove for a number of years you can keep raptors before legally keeping your own.
I see no reason why the same shouldn't be for venomous snakes.

[Kaorte]

Although there are some irresponsible keepers that have released their giant pythons into the wild, I believe most of the pythons came from facilities that were damaged in the hurricanes. I do think that people who buy giant pythons in areas where they can inhabit should be required to register and chip them. If they did release their snake into the wild, they would be held responsible if the snake was found.

IMO, only licensed people should be able to own venomous snakes. They should have to take a safety class to become licensed. It would also be helpful if on organization had people to inspect their snake room to make sure that they were keeping their hots in proper enclosures.

I am pretty sure you need to chip the larger species in florida anyway, if I remember correctly.

I think a strict state regulation on the bigger tropical snakes in Florida would be wise, but not a country wide BAN. Bans have never solved the problems they were seeking to solve.

[Wh00h0069]

I am pretty sure you need to chip the larger species in florida anyway, if I remember correctly.

I think a strict state regulation on the bigger tropical snakes in Florida would be wise, but not a country wide BAN. Bans have never solved the problems they were seeking to solve.

You're right, Florida already has that in place. I also agree that it should be a state issue. It is ridiculous to ban snakes in Ohio because they can live in the Everglades.