Need EDUCATIONAL help. *Important*

[hurricaNe]

Hi. I live in an apartment. The by-laws state there is NO exotic pets aloud in the apartment. Now keep in mind the "Board of directors"(I am one of them lol) are open minded people and would like some information about my ball pythons stating that infact they ARE docile and friendly. My question is, does anyone know of any good articles or information I can grab stating how friendly and docile these snakes really are, and that they barely do anything but hide and eat when needed. I am ALSO wondering if I by any chance can go to a VET and ask him/her to give me some written document about them being docile and not a threat? Or if I can possible write something up and get a VET to sign it stating the snakes are docile? I am open to videos as well. I tried to find some SnakeBytesTV videos I saw a long time go but I am unable to find them. Your help is appreciated.

Their biggest concerns are A) It will get out B)Hurt someone C)Get out and get into another apartment and scare someone.
With all the talk about a snake killing 2 children and just recently a snake was found in Toronto in a toilet, in an apartment. I have told them that in all fairness, when these BALL pythons have been found in other peoples homes they have never actually HURT anyone, only caused fear.

[BiggBaddWolf]

You and I know they are harmless, but some people have a fear of them that they just can't get over, and a lot are of the opinion that the only good snake is a dead one..I guess everyone has a right to their opinion, but it comes from lack of education. Their is no way I know of to let people know they are harmless. I "sneaked" two ball pythons, and a kingsnake into my apartment. I am pretty sure the apartment manager would have a stroke if she found out, hopefully she won't, but if she does we'll deal with it when it happens...Good luck to you though

[bcr229]

I've found that I can talk all I want, but the best way to show someone that ball pythons are harmless is an up-close and personal demonstration. I wouldn't have every board member at your place at once, but maybe 1-2 each evening over a few days time when your BP's would be ok with being handled - e.g. not digesting, not in shed - could work.

[hurricaNe]

Well, my property manager is late 20's early 30's, male. He doesn't have a fear towards them but the fact that it is in the by laws they must go by those. I did show 2 of them today, Unfortunately I wasn't aware he was in shed, but that's okay. I would like some documents to present as well, have hard facts and something to show for educational purposes.

[Peoples]

Why not take an animal to a board meeting,inform all members attending also you can find a good caresheet to support your argument.

[bcr229]

...the fact that it is in the by laws they must go by those.

Is it safe to say you need to educate folks because the goal is to get the bylaws changed?

[Pyrate81]

Documentation beats converstation 100% of the time.

You're on the right track with the options you listed and bcr has given some good suggestions.

A combination of a professional presentation to the board mixed with signed statement(s) from a vet(s) or other person who interacts with reptiles on a professional level will help as well. If you do a presentation, I advise a second person there as well to back you up with facts for when you make statements which could come across as questionable. Reason I recommend this is because when you're the one who knows everything and they know little to nothing, some facts/statements may come across as arrogance and highyl questionable. I've dealt with this at my nature center when I took over for the previous guy and the director kept giving me strange looks when I told her their snakes weren't healthy and all the animals needed better environments. Seven months later she trusts me a lot more cause she received confirmation from a snake breeder friend of hers the animals look a lot better.