Parents arrested and charged with felony after child bit by python

[AaronP]

Jesus, stupid people are going to ruin this for EVERYONE.

And that kid is probably going to grow up to be a Anti-Snake Advocate.

[Oroborous]

And that kid is probably going to grow up to be a Anti-Snake Advocate.

Especially if that child has to grow up without any parents...
Don't get me wrong, I think this was a case of extreme ignorance and irresponibility that is very unfortunant for the whole hobby, but I don't think these people should be locked away for good...though, they definantly shouldn't be allowed to keep anymore pets...

[anatess]

If I remember the story correctly, the snake is from a store owner who is renovating, so he had his friend house it temporarily.

[Colin Vestrand]

If I remember the story correctly, the snake is from a store owner who is renovating, so he had his friend house it temporarily.

that makes it even worse...

responsbility people... the lack of it (especially with large boid breeders and owners) will be the death of this hobby.

[West Coast Jungle]

I think people forget how powerful these big snakes are and dont give them the respect they deserve. In this case ignorance is not bliss. Most of the problems with snakes stories you read about are these big snakes that people obtain and have no idea what their getting into.

[catawhat75]

I think people forget how powerful these big snakes are and dont give them the respect they deserve. In this case ignorance is not bliss. Most of the problems with snakes stories you read about are these big snakes that people obtain and have no idea what their getting into.

Great post. That is why I am not completely against a change in the laws. I don't think anyone has the automatic right to own a snake that will reach over 10 feet or one that is venomous. You should prove that you not only have the experience and knowledge, but the proper equipment to keep not only the humans safe, but the animals as well.
While ignorant owners are a big problem, I see irresponsible breeders/store owners who sell these animals as hatchlings without a thought in the world of the potential outcome. If we as an industry would police things better, we wouldn't need the government to do it for us.

[ColinWeaver]

Stories like this are sensational and the media is far more aggressive in its attack (uh, I mean reporting) than any animal can be. Owner responsibility is obviously a necessity, especially when it comes to the large constrictors. The news outlets WILL NEVER report on responsible reptile ownership in the same way they will never report on a motorist who drove home safely today. There is no news when it is not dramatic. The only voice reptiles have in the media is us. And we have to be calm, educated and eloquent when we take a moment to act as advocate for both the reptile and the reptile owner. Malice posted a link to a news site discussing the attack. If you read most of the comments on that site you will find them to be anti-snake ownership (not anti-snake, anti-snake ownership). A baby being wrapped by a large constrictor is going to get clicks from pretty much everybody who sees the headline. When people read the comments of others it can help to sway them in favor of that view. If we act more like a cohesive community and take the time to post an articulate defense of the reptile owner (not this particular reptile owner, mind you) we will be doing ourselves a greater long term service.

Sadly, we can't un-ring this particular bell.

Regards,

[sg1trogdor]

That was posted on here already they didnt say anything about them being charged with anything. On the link that was posted originally.

[JamieLynn]

Stories like this are the reason my husband and I have been getting nasty phone calls from his family.
We only have Ball Pythons, nothing giant. We have had family members threaten to kill our snakes, and state officials threaten us on other grounds regarding the snakes.
I spend a good 3-4 hous a day trying to educate friends, family, and said officials.
I have small children, but the are now old enouph to learn about proper care of the snakes. There is NO unsupervised handling the snakes stay in thier cages unless mom or dad is there to help!

I can't stand the way people treat the animals badly, when it was the owner/keeper's resonsibility to keep the animal, and people around it safe.


like they say for pittbulls...punnish the deed, not the breed.

[joepythons]

Stories like this are the reason my husband and I have been getting nasty phone calls from his family.
We only have Ball Pythons, nothing giant. We have had family members threaten to kill our snakes, and state officials threaten us on other grounds regarding the snakes.
I spend a good 3-4 hous a day trying to educate friends, family, and said officials.
I have small children, but the are now old enouph to learn about proper care of the snakes. There is NO unsupervised handling the snakes stay in thier cages unless mom or dad is there to help!

I can't stand the way people treat the animals badly, when it was the owner/keeper's resonsibility to keep the animal, and people around it safe.


like they say for pittbulls...punnish the deed, not the breed.

Thank you i agree .Is it possible to have a talk with your family and possibly have them visit our family friendly site? This way they can see the truth not the crap the media stretches.