I think it's just easy for people who don't understand to assume the worst. I don't agree with the fetish; that doesn't really fit with the true definition of what a fetish is.
And I think hoarding (including animal hoarding) is a whole other ball game.

I personally don't understand the desire of owning a venomous animal, but then again I don't even have the opportunity, living in Canada where venomous snakes and pets are illegal.

The media will be the media... unfortunately.