IMO venomous snakes are the most beautiful of all reptiles. Definitely doesn't mean I'll house them. I love to see them used for research, education, and medicine. People are are trained in the field to handle them for these purposes. I understand the desire to house them for the simple beauty and presence. People do place themselves at risk in daily life, but many of those are necessary risks that go hand in hand with supporting yourself and a family. Housing a venomous snake is an unnecessary risk that I would never like to place myself or those around me in. Comparing a horse to a cobra, just doesn't quite sync up for me. Now I would compare it similar to a firearm though, and many people do own them...

I understand the desire, I really do. I've housed reptiles for 20 years, but I can never come to terms with bringing anything venomous into my household or within any remote distance. Pretty neat tho to see them in the field though.. I also have the luxury of walking through the reptile house here at the San Diego Zoo when I please because my wife works there. I think I've seen just about all of them do their thing.

P.S. To all the venomous snake owners out there, I hope you have good health and liability insurance.