I think it's legit to be upset. Think how people would be screaming if they hacked the head off a cat because it was jumping on it's owner. But because it's a snake, it's not only okay, it is often seen as humorous.
Shows that are completely fictional still influence their viewers. The character could have unwound the snake and still been seen as a hero, saving her life, blah blah. But instead they beheaded a pet.