Owning dangerous pets when you have kids (warning child death mentioned)

[Tiffers]

I just can't wrap my mind around how/why it would ever be a good idea to own a pet that has the ability to kill your children.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,529709,00.html

I heard this story on the radio this morning. They played the 911 call on the air. It was the live-in boyfriend who made the call mentioned in the article. He was extremely distraught, he's absolutely destroyed, and that little girl is dead. Why? Because they wanted a cool snake for a pet. I can't imagine how horrifying it must have been for that little girl. And I'm sure it wasn't quick and she probably suffered for agonizing minutes before it was over. Such a senseless death, it makes me angry.

[HammBugga]

That is horrible :( The article said that the snake had escaped earlier that night. I think the parent and the boyfriend should be charged with manslaughter. Of course a huge snake is going to try and kill a baby and eat it, that's what they do!

[MrsKitty]

Oh that is horrifying :( I can't even imagine.

[still_me]

It annoys the heck out of me that people have dangerous pets just because (IMO) they want to be known as the person with the dangerous pet. Part of it at least has to be that mentality. It is like the guy with the big useless SUV...it is an attention thing.

Hamm, I agree with you. I also can't imagine why anyone would be fine with letting their child be around something like that. Odds are, you will be hurt.

[singin_mama]

Most any pet can be dangerous. There have been cases of babies being killed by little dogs like this one (http://www.igorilla.com/gorilla/animal/2001/pomeranian.html)

[Amy_G_]

I think death by Python is a fairly low incidence in the US. They probably never even imagined that the snake could or would do that.

[maksmom]

That is horrible :( The article said that the snake had escaped earlier that night. I think the parent and the boyfriend should be charged with manslaughter. Of course a huge snake is going to try and kill a baby and eat it, that's what they do!

This happened in my area, and I thought the same thing as you Hamm when they reported that the snake had escaped earlier that night. They are now talking about outlawing these types of snakes in Fl altogether. There is a problem with them being let loose and causing havoc in the local enviroment.

[Babyhellfire]

That is very sad

I think death by Python is a fairly low incidence in the US. They probably never even imagined that the snake could or would do that.


I agree.

[RaisingThemLeft]

That's seriously distrubing. However, dogs can and do kill children. I recently went to a children's birthday party where the kids were allowed to hold and handle snakes and one was a python. Our class had a boa constrictor for a pet in 5th grade and it was pretty big. I don't think it's a given that a big snake is going to kill a kid, although I wouldn't choose to own one. It sounds like the boyfriend is extremely distraught over the whole thing and I don't think he should be charged with manslauter for choosing to have a snake, even without a permit. That's a technicality, like owning a dog, failing to get a license for it, and then something happens and you get charged. This would have happened with or without the license to own it.

[maksmom]

IIRC, in order to have a license/permit for an exotic snake in Fl, you are required to show that you know how to properly house and care for the snake. In this case the snake was not properly housed, from the news reports I watched, the snake was in a fish tank, not a snake cage. So it may not have happened had the owner obtained/owned the snake legally.

[still_me]

I think death by Python is a fairly low incidence in the US. They probably never even imagined that the snake could or would do that.


If you own a python, you should be aware that it can happen. You should be aware that it very well can happen especially if it is loose and hungry.

We think that they aren't dangerous or that it won't happen because they aren't native to our area. Find someone from Africa where pythons are common, and I bet you they'd look at us like we were bat shit crazy for wanting something like this around our families.

[3girls2luv]

That is horrible :( I never trust my children to ever be alone with any kind of pet. Animals will be animals and humans should not let their gaurd down just because its a family pet. I don't blame the animal at all and my heart breaks for her parents but they should have known better.

[Babyblue]

a snake that large and dangerious needs a Xlarge snake cage with a padlocked door. virtualy no store bought aquarium is large enough to house one and stong enough to keep a lid on if the animal pushes on it. also how hungry was the snake that it had to escape and try and eat a child? I know snakes that size are expensive to care for and feed.

I trust virtualy no animal around ds. not my parents dog, not our loveing barn cat, not my horses that are prize winning, perfectly trained and that I have owned for more then half my life. The horses are never out of their stalls when ds is walking around, ds is never ever allowed in the pasture and when I ride or work with them some one else is carrying and holding ds.

I feel horrible for that little girl. I barely think of a more terrifying death.

[HammBugga]

If you own a python, you should be aware that it can happen. You should be aware that it very well can happen especially if it is loose and hungry.

We think that they aren't dangerous or that it won't happen because they aren't native to our area. Find someone from Africa where pythons are common, and I bet you they'd look at us like we were bat shit crazy for wanting something like this around our families.

Yes! They would think we are bat shit crazy.

All you have to do is google python kills man or child and you get lots of hits. It DOES happen.
http://www.google.com/search?q=python+kills+man&sourceid=navclient-ff&ie=UTF-8&rlz=1B3GGGL_enUS227US227

Sure dogs kill kids too, that's why I don't have one.

In fact, I gave up my cat when she was showing aggression toward my baby and scratched him.

The point is, these are animals and they are capable of resorting back to their wild roots, no matter what people think.

[KerryS]

I would never own a Burmese python because they get too big for one person to comfortably handle.

We used to own two Ball pythons, though. They're very gentle. But they're still animals, and they will try to constrict anything that they perceive as food. That's why you need to make sure you have a locked tank so they cannot escape.

[KerryS]

I think death by Python is a fairly low incidence in the US. They probably never even imagined that the snake could or would do that.

Exactly. I would never have thought that a Burmese python would perceive a TWO YEAR OLD CHILD as potential prey. They normally eat things like small rabbits.

It's a horrible tragedy. But as a snake owner, I guess I'm not damning the guy as everyone else here is doing. I'm guessing he never would have imagined that the snake would strike a 35 lb. child.

Dogs kill children at a FAR LARGER rate than pythons. Nobody's screaming to outlaw dogs.

[KerryS]

That's seriously distrubing. However, dogs can and do kill children. I recently went to a children's birthday party where the kids were allowed to hold and handle snakes and one was a python. Our class had a boa constrictor for a pet in 5th grade and it was pretty big. I don't think it's a given that a big snake is going to kill a kid, although I wouldn't choose to own one. It sounds like the boyfriend is extremely distraught over the whole thing and I don't think he should be charged with manslauter for choosing to have a snake, even without a permit. That's a technicality, like owning a dog, failing to get a license for it, and then something happens and you get charged. This would have happened with or without the license to own it.

I completely agree.

Our dogs aren't licensed, either. In spite of that fact, I consider myself a very responsible dog owner.

[KerryS]

a snake that large and dangerious needs a Xlarge snake cage with a padlocked door. virtualy no store bought aquarium is large enough to house one and stong enough to keep a lid on if the animal pushes on it. also how hungry was the snake that it had to escape and try and eat a child? I know snakes that size are expensive to care for and feed.

I agree with your first point. A snake needs to be in a cage with a locked lid.

I disagree with your last point. An adult python only needs to be fed every 2-4 weeks. I can't imagine they would need to spend more than $25-30/month on food for it. Once you own the housing, they're not expensive at all to keep.

[Braydensmom]

I honestly think the parents are probably suffering enough. They have to live without the baby now forever. There is no longer sentence than that.

[3girls2luv]

I honestly think the parents are probably suffering enough. They have to live without the baby now forever. There is no longer sentence than that.


I agree.

[ColleenF30]

I honestly think the parents are probably suffering enough. They have to live without the baby now forever. There is no longer sentence than that.


Very very true

[JudyJudyJudy]

If you own a python, you should be aware that it can happen. You should be aware that it very well can happen especially if it is loose and hungry.
Exactly.

[newbie]

Of course dog attacks are more frequent, how many households have dogs in the US and how many have big ass snakes? One difference between a dog and a snake is a snake should not be domesticated, they are hunters they hunt food it is their natural instinct to hunt down prey and strangle it, not cuddle on the couch and try to please you all day. Most dogs are people pleasers who worship their "master" I can't say the same about snakes. Dogs have rescued people on many many occasions, I have yet to hear of a snake doing the same. Comparing dogs to snakes is Apples & Oranges.

[still_me]

*eeeeK* I just googled pythons and Florida. They are having a huge problem with them invading the everglades. F that.

One more reason why I would never live in Florida. (no offense Floridians)

[maksmom]

Yes, they are invading the Everglades, because morons are letting them loose.

[still_me]

Yes, they are invading the Everglades, because morons are letting them loose.


LMAO Maybe the morons should hunt them?

[KerryS]

it is their natural instinct to hunt down prey and strangle it, not cuddle on the couch and try to please you all day. Most dogs are people pleasers who worship their "master" I can't say the same about snakes.

Spoken like someone who has never owned a python. They're actually quite cuddly. My female used to cuddle up inside my daughter's shirt and fall asleep. She would "kiss" her on the nose on command.

My only point in comparing snakes to dogs is that a dog is FAR more likely to kill a child. Period.

You appear to be of the opinion that snakes have no redeeming factors as pets. I disagree. C'est la vie.

[newbie]

Yes, they are invading the Everglades, because morons are letting them loose.


Which is a good argument on why it should be illegal to own one.

[newbie]

Spoken like someone who has never owned a python. They're actually quite cuddly. My female used to cuddle up inside my daughter's shirt and fall asleep. She would "kiss" her on the nose on command.

My only point in comparing snakes to dogs is that a dog is FAR more likely to kill a child. Period.


So your saying that it's not their natural instinct to hunt their prey and strangle it?

[3girls2luv]

Last summer I think they caught three of those big ass snake not far from my house one was caught in the yard behind my house and I live in South Texas and nowhere near Florida. Our priest had one and he wanted to give it to us as a pet because it was getting too big. I HATE SNAKES!

[KerryS]

It annoys the heck out of me that people have dangerous pets just because (IMO) they want to be known as the person with the dangerous pet.

I think this is a ridiculous assertion. Believe me, I didn't own a snake for "bragging rights" or to be badass or something. I'm guessing the same goes for most snake owners. How absurd.

[KerryS]

So your saying that it's not their natural instinct to hunt their prey and strangle it?

Did I say that?

What I'm saying is that a 30-pound child is not a burmese python's normal prey. It was a horrible accident, and the family was negligent for not having a locking cage.

[JudyJudyJudy]

Which is a good argument on why it should be illegal to own one.
People let their dogs loose as well. Does that mean no one should be able to have a dog as a pet?

[KerryS]

And loose cats have decimated entire songbird populations in some areas.

[newbie]

Did I say that?

What I'm saying is that a 30-pound child is not a burmese python's normal prey. It was a horrible accident, and the family was negligent for not having a locking cage.


What about 7lb newborn? I am not one for taking animals out of their natural habitat.

[Babyblue]

I disagree with your last point. An adult python only needs to be fed every 2-4 weeks. I can't imagine they would need to spend more than $25-30/month on food for it. Once you own the housing, they're not expensive at all to keep.
I had though they where more expensive to mantain then that. the only person I know who has a snake that large hand raises all its food himself. which drives up his cost of food. apparently years ago he had a snake die from eating a rat that had consumed a large amount of rat poison, the rat had even come from a reputable shop.


Id say nearly every domesticated animal is not in its "natural" enviroment any more. there are thousands of dog bites and cat scratchs every year. hearing about a snake that is properly handled (Im not talking about a bunch of drunk yahoos poking at something with a stick) but a domesticated pet snake that bites or severaly hurts someone is very rare.

I have near constant problems with my neighbors mangy dogs, never had a problem with a snake properly locked up in someone elses house.

[Tiffers]

Exactly. I would never have thought that a Burmese python would perceive a TWO YEAR OLD CHILD as potential prey. They normally eat things like small rabbits.

It's a horrible tragedy. But as a snake owner, I guess I'm not damning the guy as everyone else here is doing. I'm guessing he never would have imagined that the snake would strike a 35 lb. child.

Dogs kill children at a FAR LARGER rate than pythons. Nobody's screaming to outlaw dogs.

I don't think the dogs should be outlawed, but there are certain breeds of dogs that I would never, ever own for the same reason.

Just last month we had 2 pit bulls loose in our neighborhood. Animal control was here and we were shut up in our house while they looked for them. They killed 3 small dogs before they found them. They were destroyed and the owners were charged.

We can get into that argument too, if you like, but there's no way in hell I would ever own a pet that has the capability of tearing out my neck or my childrens' and no statistic or sweet cuddly puppy face will ever convince me otherwise.

[HammBugga]

I honestly think the parents are probably suffering enough. They have to live without the baby now forever. There is no longer sentence than that.
I disagree. I would agree if the snake had not gotten out earlier that night. The fact is, they knew it was a possibility that it could escape (because it JUST had) and yet they chose to keep it in the house around their small child.

I think this is a ridiculous assertion. Believe me, I didn't own a snake for "bragging rights" or to be badass or something. I'm guessing the same goes for most snake owners. How absurd.


A lot of people do own them to look like a bad ass. It is absurd that they think it makes them look cool. Not everyone owns them for that reason but I know plenty of people who do.

[JudyJudyJudy]

Hamm, I agree with both of your last two points.

[HammBugga]

Did I say that?

What I'm saying is that a 30-pound child is not a burmese python's normal prey. It was a horrible accident, and the family was negligent for not having a locking cage.


Of course a 2 year old human isn't it's normal prey. There was no normal prey around because it wasn't in it's normal habitat! It's called adapting. He's was probably eying that baby as a snack for a long time.

[irisheyes81]

I don't think the dogs should be outlawed, but there are certain breeds of dogs that I would never, ever own for the same reason.

Just last month we had 2 pit bulls loose in our neighborhood. Animal control was here and we were shut up in our house while they looked for them. They killed 3 small dogs before they found them. They were destroyed and the owners were charged.

We can get into that argument too, if you like, but there's no way in hell I would ever own a pet that has the capability of tearing out my neck or my childrens' and no statistic or sweet cuddly puppy face will ever convince me otherwise.

I am not sure if you were talking about all dogs, or certain breeds. If you were going with certain breeds, though...most large breed dogs could tear the throat out of a child. You would probably be surprised by the amount of dog attacks where the attacker was a friendly Labrador Retriever.

Also, Newbie, dogs are descended from wolves...whose instincts lead them to hunt down and kill very large prey...sometimes in an almost teasing, playing fashion. A large portion of dog breeds still have that natural instinct in them. That is not much different than a snake's instinct to hunt and kill. Except that most snakes are locked in a cage, and most dogs are not.

I am not anti-dogs at all, but I am also not anti-snake ownership either. I do view a non-poisonous snake as less dangerous than a medium or larger sized dog, though.

Now, I do have a problem with the fact that the snake got out earlier, and they still did not properly (from the articles description) cage the snake.

[ColleenF30]

I have dachshunds, and they are known not to be good with kids. My dogs have always been very gentle with my children, and I make sure my children are gentle with them. People need to be responsible pet owners. It isn't the type or the breed all the time (which is how many animals and breeds get a bad rep), it is the pet owners in probably 99% of the cases.

[Tiffers]

I have dachshunds, and they are known not to be good with kids. My dogs have always been very gentle with my children, and I make sure my children are gentle with them. People need to be responsible pet owners. It isn't the type or the breed all the time (which is how many animals and breeds get a bad rep), it is the pet owners in probably 99% of the cases.


I've heard that argument several times in these debates - that its usually a result of the way the owners treated them. I know that certainly is the case in some situations. Then you hear the cases where the family dog, who had been loved and well taken care of, had always been gentle and cuddly, had never even snapped at someone, turns on its owner or family member with little to no provocation.

Dogs are animals. They have animal instincts and no matter how wonderful their owners are, or what breed they are, every single one of them can revert back to those animal instincts when put in a situation where they feel the need to.

Of course not all dogs are going to be typical of their breeds. I'm sure there are dogs of dangerous breeds that lived a full life without ever harming a soul. However, it's my personal choice to not take the chance and refuse to ever own a dog that has the physical capabilities of ripping my throat out.

[Jacksmommy]

That is so sad. Those poor parents. How does anyone recover from something like that?
As to the dangerous pets, I guess I'm on the fence there. We have a dog - a German Shepherd, and he's certainly big enough and powerful enough to kill us all. He's never shown any aggreession towards us though, and he's a good protector.

[Jacksmommy]

I don't know. People have pet turtles and lizards and iguanas and fish and any number of other animals that I don't understand the enjoyment or benefit of having. I've known people who just love their snakes. I guess I never considered it particularly dangerous - just not my cup of tea.

[Justicedog]

Spoken like someone who has never owned a python. They're actually quite cuddly. My female used to cuddle up inside my daughter's shirt and fall asleep. She would "kiss" her on the nose on command.

My only point in comparing snakes to dogs is that a dog is FAR more likely to kill a child. Period.

You appear to be of the opinion that snakes have no redeeming factors as pets. I disagree. C'est la vie.


They're reptiles. It didn't crawl in your dd's shirt to cuddle, it crawled in there because it was a warm place, like on top of a rock that's been warmed by the sun.

Reptiles don't recognize people. They recognize this is a preditor or this is prey. They don't have loyalty.

[Carolina]

How disturbing! I heard about it the other day.

[Crabbie]

How sad.

[Camille]

Reptiles don't recognize people. They recognize this is a preditor or this is prey. They don't have loyalty.

I disagree that snakes don't recognize people. Snakes have a pretty good sense of smell and can tell if they are being handled by someone who is unfamiliar to them. My ball python becomes nervous if handled by too many strangers in a short period of time. I can tell by the way he behaves (it's hard to describe, so I won't try).

Normally, snakes won't attack something too large for them to swallow. (though, if you don't box them to feed them, they sometimes will strike at your hand if you put it in their tank and it's close to feeding time). This snake had to have been pretty hungry to attack a 30lb toddler. My guess is that they were neglecting the snake.

WRT the bold, cats don't have loyalty, either, yet many people keep them as pets. ;)


And, ftr, I am one of the least cool people I know, IMO. This is the second snake I've owned, and I don't think it's increased my "cool factor" any. If anything, people think I'm weird for owning a snake. I own a snake because I like snakes. They don't shed, only have to be fed twice a month, they are quiet, they don't stink (like cats and rodents) and they don't pee/poop all over the house. What's not to love about that?

[KerryS]

They don't shed

Well, they do. But not in the same way that dogs or cats do. :)

[kasumisniper]

That's seriously distrubing. However, dogs can and do kill children. I recently went to a children's birthday party where the kids were allowed to hold and handle snakes and one was a python. Our class had a boa constrictor for a pet in 5th grade and it was pretty big. I don't think it's a given that a big snake is going to kill a kid, although I wouldn't choose to own one. It sounds like the boyfriend is extremely distraught over the whole thing and I don't think he should be charged with manslauter for choosing to have a snake, even without a permit. That's a technicality, like owning a dog, failing to get a license for it, and then something happens and you get charged. This would have happened with or without the license to own it.


I agree.

[Camille]

Well, they do. But not in the same way that dogs or cats do. :)

Good point. I should have said, "they don't leave piles of hair on the furniture". ;)

[JudyJudyJudy]

Good point. I should have said, "they don't leave piles of hair on the furniture". ;)
Neither does this. :p

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y72/babyjacobsmom/HairlessTerrier.jpg

[Camille]

Awww. He's so cute! Too bad he would poop/pee all over, chew my shoes, and bark/whine all the time. :p

[Solare]

Exactly. I would never have thought that a Burmese python would perceive a TWO YEAR OLD CHILD as potential prey. They normally eat things like small rabbits.

It's a horrible tragedy. But as a snake owner, I guess I'm not damning the guy as everyone else here is doing. I'm guessing he never would have imagined that the snake would strike a 35 lb. child.

Dogs kill children at a FAR LARGER rate than pythons. Nobody's screaming to outlaw dogs.


I don't even like snakes and I agree Kerry

[Justicedog]

I think that the screaming to outlaw pythons is not because it killed a baby, it's because too many are being dumped in the everglades and they aare causing a problem there - competing with the alligators and all that. It's generally not a good situation when a non-native animal is introduced into the "wild" somewhere else.

Snakes have killed all the native birds on some island they're not native to when some snakes stowed away on a plane - although not quite as severe as the movie - Snakes on a Plane

[still_me]

I think that the screaming to outlaw pythons is not because it killed a baby, it's because too many are being dumped in the everglades and they aare causing a problem there - competing with the alligators and all that. It's generally not a good situation when a non-native animal is introduced into the "wild" somewhere else.

Snakes have killed all the native birds on some island they're not native to when some snakes stowed away on a plane - although not quite as severe as the movie - Snakes on a Plane


This is exactly why they are wanting to outlaw them. This, IMO, is just a way to use the attention now to get that law passed.


Kerry, I don't think it is absurd at all to say that people get snakes to be the "snake guy/girl". You see it with people and pitbulls. They think they are all cool because, 'I have a pitbull, man. It's a tough dog'. blah blah blah. Then you have people who rescue said pitbull from idiots like I referred to above or just because they like them. Not everyone falls into wanting to be the "cool _____" owner, but the mind set is out there.

[BeanBabies]

Of course a 2 year old human isn't it's normal prey. There was no normal prey around because it wasn't in it's normal habitat! It's called adapting. He's was probably eying that baby as a snack for a long time.


Yes. The baby might not be natural prey, but she sure was prey-size. When a snake is hungry I bet he doesn't care much that a baby isn't his usual meal.

[HammBugga]

They're reptiles. It didn't crawl in your dd's shirt to cuddle, it crawled in there because it was a warm place, like on top of a rock that's been warmed by the sun.


I was thinking the exact same thing. Of course Kerry wants to think her snake is cuddling, it is her pet. However, he wasn't trying to cuddle, he was doing what he knows how to do to stay warm and survive. Same with the snake that killed the baby girl, he was trying to eat and survive. Snakes smell with their tongues, he wasn't giving her a kiss either, he was sniffing her to see if she was edible.

[HammBugga]

I disagree that snakes don't recognize people. Snakes have a pretty good sense of smell and can tell if they are being handled by someone who is unfamiliar to them. My ball python becomes nervous if handled by too many strangers in a short period of time. I can tell by the way he behaves (it's hard to describe, so I won't try).

Normally, snakes won't attack something too large for them to swallow. (though, if you don't box them to feed them, they sometimes will strike at your hand if you put it in their tank and it's close to feeding time). This snake had to have been pretty hungry to attack a 30lb toddler. My guess is that they were neglecting the snake.

WRT the bold, cats don't have loyalty, either, yet many people keep them as pets. ;)


And, ftr, I am one of the least cool people I know, IMO. This is the second snake I've owned, and I don't think it's increased my "cool factor" any. If anything, people think I'm weird for owning a snake. I own a snake because I like snakes. They don't shed, only have to be fed twice a month, they are quiet, they don't stink (like cats and rodents) and they don't pee/poop all over the house. What's not to love about that?
Yes, my guess would be that they were underfeeding it over a long period of time and it was escaping to find food. Yet another reason I think they are responsible for the death of their child.

[KerryS]

Yes, my guess would be that they were underfeeding it over a long period of time and it was escaping to find food. Yet another reason I think they are responsible for the death of their child.


Burmese pythons are known for their voracious appetites. They will often eat another full meal days after being fed a full meal. I wouldn't assume it was being underfed.

[crystal555rose]

Has a coroner verified that this child was strangled by the snake? A 35 lb child seems like unusually large prey for a snake that size. Although it is possible that it restricted her breathing enough to cause slow asphyxiation without necessarily constricting with the intent to eat her.

A horrifying tragedy.

[KerryS]

Although it is possible that it restricted her breathing enough to cause slow asphyxiation without necessarily constricting with the intent to eat her.

The fact that the child had a bite on her head suggests to *me* that the snake constricted her with the intent to try to eat her. That's how pythons kill their food - they strike by biting, and then quickly wrap their body around the animal.

[JudyJudyJudy]

I think that the screaming to outlaw pythons is not because it killed a baby, it's because too many are being dumped in the everglades and they aare causing a problem there - competing with the alligators and all that. It's generally not a good situation when a non-native animal is introduced into the "wild" somewhere else.

Snakes have killed all the native birds on some island they're not native to when some snakes stowed away on a plane - although not quite as severe as the movie - Snakes on a Plane
That makes sense. It's illegal to own hedgehogs in Georgia because people got tired of having them and were releasing them. The hedgehogs carry a disease that is harmful to cattle, so cattle farmers fought to make them illegal.


Burmese pythons are known for their voracious appetites. They will often eat another full meal days after being fed a full meal. I wouldn't assume it was being underfed.
If the snake is still "needing" more food, then it isn't being fed enough. If it's impossible to satisfy the appetite of such a creature, then it shouldn't be kept as a pet.

[pawprint]

OMG. Big scary snake! Look how cool we were.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y162/momsmilkbar/032_32.jpg

[HammBugga]

Burmese pythons are known for their voracious appetites. They will often eat another full meal days after being fed a full meal. I wouldn't assume it was being underfed.


Yet another reason they shouldn't be pets or around small children at all.

[Justicedog]

Has a coroner verified that this child was strangled by the snake? A 35 lb child seems like unusually large prey for a snake that size. Although it is possible that it restricted her breathing enough to cause slow asphyxiation without necessarily constricting with the intent to eat her.

A horrifying tragedy.


The snake may have just been trying to give the baby a hug and didn't know how strong it was.

[BeanBabies]

Sorry. You'd have to do some pretty heavy talking to convince me that having a burmese python in the house is an A-OK pet to have hang around. "lol9"

Any comparisons to a dog or cat is way funny.

[BeanBabies]

OMG. Big scary snake! Look how cool we were.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y162/momsmilkbar/032_32.jpg


How weird is it that my first thought was...

"Hey. Cool jammies!"

[irisheyes81]

My biggest problem with people owning large snakes, is that is seems that many people do not understand what they are getting into. I was amazed recently to see so many large snakes (constrictors) in our local shelters and rescue groups. They get so big they pretty much need their own room once they reach full adult size. I think people see the pretty snake in the pet shop cage, and do not realize that they will not stay that size for long. Plus, I am pretty sure they live a pretty good length of time also. Up here it gets too cold, so they have to give them up to a shelter...though, I'm sure their have been idiots that release them.

I remember reading (or hearing) last year about a woman that was killed by her boa, so the snake killing the child on purpose does not seem unreasonable. Especially, as Kerry mentioned, since it bit and strangled her. I was reading that once the burmese python gets to its full size, owners sometimes need to feed them pigs and similar sized animals. I do not imagine too many people are aware that mice and other small animals will not be enough for the life of the snake.

[QuiltyConscience]

I am terrified of snakes and admit I am biased against snake owning. I do get that some people like them I just can't understand why.

What a horrible death for that baby. I can't imagine the guilt of the parents.

[JudyJudyJudy]

The snake may have just been trying to give the baby a hug and didn't know how strong it was.
:gig:

[QuiltyConscience]

A snake that needs it's own room is the stuff of nightmares. Iam starting to fully understand the need for a lisence to own a snake.

I have volunteered at our shelter and thank goodness, no snakes. I don't think I'd be able to handle that well. Around here I guess people would just turn them loose or take them to the staff at the state park.

[QuiltyConscience]

And cats are loyal.. We have 3, one is definitely my husband's cat, and she follows him everywhere, and prefers his lap over anyone else's, One cat is my cat and she likes me best, and the other cat seems to like the kids and mostly prefers the dog over anybody.

I'm trying to decide how I feel about snakes as pets..

Cats and dogs have some useful purpose, dogs can do lots of useful things like guard the house and alert you to sounds, and can be used in police work, rescue work, etc.
and cats keep mice at bay.

Snakes don't do anything useful. I don't think I've ever heard of a certified therapy snake. But then on the other hand a lot of dogs and cats don't do much useful either. And fish or hamsters don't do anything useful at all. But piranhas don't jump out of the fish tank to get you in the bathtub.

[KerryS]

My biggest problem with people owning large snakes, is that is seems that many people do not understand what they are getting into. I was amazed recently to see so many large snakes (constrictors) in our local shelters and rescue groups. They get so big they pretty much need their own room once they reach full adult size. I think people see the pretty snake in the pet shop cage, and do not realize that they will not stay that size for long.

Yes, I agree with this. That's why we would only own a Ball Python, which gets to 5-6 feet at most. I would never own a snake that couldn't be comfortably handled by one person.

[maksmom]

When they pulled that snake out of the house, of course, live on the local news (reminds me of the song "Dirty Laundry"), it was huge, and took atleast 3 or 4 men to carry. The snake was still alive even though the owner had stabbed it with a knife several times. Freaky stuff.

[JudyJudyJudy]

When they pulled that snake out of the house, of course, live on the local news (reminds me of the song "Dirty Laundry"), it was huge, and took atleast 3 or 4 men to carry. The snake was still alive even though the owner had stabbed it with a knife several times. Freaky stuff.
Scary!

[irisheyes81]

Yes, I agree with this. That's why we would only own a Ball Python, which gets to 5-6 feet at most. I would never own a snake that couldn't be comfortably handled by one person.

My little girl would love for us to have a snake. I will not allow even a guinea pig in our house with young kids (below 10/11), so a snake is out of the question. I will let them have one when they are older, though. I will stick with a corn snake or a ball python, also.

[Suzzzz]

Snakes are icky. Poor baby :( and poor parents :(

[JudyJudyJudy]

The actual owner of the snake isn't the baby's parent. He's the mama's boyfriend.

[irisheyes81]

It really is awful. I am wondering where exactly the snake was kept, that it would target the little girl. There were other people in the home, including other children, but it went after her. That just makes me really wonder if it was kept in a cage in the room with the little girl.

I am also wondering why they are re-homing the snake. If a dog kills someone, I am pretty sure it is put down, correct? Would a the snake not consider humans (at least children) a source of food after this attack?

[irisheyes81]

I just read a different article. The snake was kept in a different room, but when the man saw the snake was out of the cage again, he immediately went to the little girl's room. So, I wonder, if when it got out earlier, it went in there also, but they found it before it could harm her. If that is the case, then that definitely should be some kind of charge, since at that point they would have had to have known the little girl could definitely be at risk of being harmed by the snake.

[alejorge]

That is sad. That poor baby.

[Camille]

It really is awful. I am wondering where exactly the snake was kept, that it would target the little girl. There were other people in the home, including other children, but it went after her. That just makes me really wonder if it was kept in a cage in the room with the little girl.

I am also wondering why they are re-homing the snake. If a dog kills someone, I am pretty sure it is put down, correct? Would a the snake not consider humans (at least children) a source of food after this attack?

I'm pretty sure the snake didn't "target" the little girl. If there was a smaller person in the house, or a cat or small dog, it probably wouldn't have even tried to constrict the little girl.

Considering that the snake didn't eat the girl, I highly doubt it will now think of toddlers as a menu item. Additionally, had the snake been properly caged, this wouldn't have happened. It's not the snake's fault its owner is an irresponsible turd.

Really, it's not like it was a case of good snake gone bad. If a snake isn't properly cared for (including feeding it in a separate container), there is always the chance of being bitten, if it's hungry. Making the comparison to a dog, which is a pack animal (and ones that kill humans see themselves as higher up in the pack) and a snake who isn't a pack animal is, well, silly.

[irisheyes81]

Well, I disagree. I think any animal that has killed a person, other than through defending an owner or accident (I'm thinking a horse rearing and hitting someone), should not be given to another home. Dogs attacking people often happen because of poor ownership also. It is not a dog's fault it had "an irresponsible turd" for an owner, either...but it will still be put down.

[pawprint]

How weird is it that my first thought was...

"Hey. Cool jammies!"


IIRC, PEM sent those to him. ;)

[irisheyes81]

Though, Camille, I think placing it in a wild animal rescue type place would be ideal. Just not in a home where even the slightest chance that this could happen again is present.

[Camille]

Well, I disagree. I think any animal that has killed a person, other than through defending an owner or accident (I'm thinking a horse rearing and hitting someone), should not be given to another home. Dogs attacking people often happen because of poor ownership also. It is not a dog's fault it had "an irresponsible turd" for an owner, either...but it will still be put down.

My whole point is that a dog and a snake aren't the same type of animal. Dogs are pack animals. They can rarely be rehabilitated once they bite/kill. Snakes aren't pack animals, they don't establish dominance over other snakes like dogs do. A dog's motivation for killing is entirely different than a snake's. The snake was looking for food, not trying to establish his spot in the pack. You can't train a snake, because it doesn't care about people (or its pack). It just does what it needs to to survive. (surely you can see the difference?)

I'm about 99% sure that the snake's new owner isn't/won't be an irresponsible turd. It's probably sitting in a herp rescue right now awaiting adoption. It isn't a baby killer. It was a hungry snake looking for food.

[Bellaelle]

Sorry. You'd have to do some pretty heavy talking to convince me that having a burmese python in the house is an A-OK pet to have hang around. "lol9"

Any comparisons to a dog or cat is way funny.

Amen, sister friend! There is no good reason to own an animal whose only instinct is to kill to survive; especially when small children are in the house.

I am sure the parents are distraught, but their negligence led to the tragic death of a baby. Distraught or not, they should face criminal charges.

[Camille]

Though, Camille, I think placing it in a wild animal rescue type place would be ideal. Just not in a home where even the slightest chance that this could happen again is present.

Are you sure it was re-homed to a person? For some reason, I thought a herp rescue had it.

[JudyJudyJudy]

You can't train a snake, because it doesn't care about people (or its pack). It just does what it needs to to survive. (surely you can see the difference?)
Yet another reason against having these creatures for pets.

[irisheyes81]

No, not yet, but they are considering re-homing it. If they are placing it with a trained snake person, then that is understandable. I am under the impression from the article, though, they are not keeping it in the herp rescue.

[Bellaelle]

I am shocked they did not kill the damn thing on site. I am sorry, but as much as I am an animal lover, I think that snake should have been killed.

[Camille]

Yet another reason against having these creatures for pets.

Lol. Rodents aren't pack animals, either, yet many people keep them as pets.

FTR, I would never own a burmese python, as they get too big and I simply don't have the room to accommodate one. I have a ball python, which is about 4.5ft long, and won't get any bigger (though, he is very beefy).

I thought about getting a corn snake before my friend gave me Bones, and they are even smaller yet than balls are.

[JudyJudyJudy]

Lol. Rodents aren't pack animals, either, yet many people keep them as pets.

FTR, I would never own a burmese python, as they get too big and I simply don't have the room to accommodate one. I have a ball python, which is about 4.5ft long, and won't get any bigger (though, he is very beefy).

I thought about getting a corn snake before my friend gave me Bones, and they are even smaller yet than balls are.
1- Rodents can't strangle small children. 2- Rodents can indeed become attached to humans, so I'm not seeing the comparison.

[irisheyes81]

And, yes, I understand there is a difference between a dog and a snake. My point is, though, that if you are going to be able to keep it as a pet, the same rules apply. If the animal poses such a great risk, that you cannot trust that it will not kill a child if it accidentally gets out...then it should never be around a family in the first place. An alligator's instinct is to hunt. They do not care about people, either. And we are not allowed to have them as pets. They are dangerous animals that can not be controlled or contained easily...and that is very similar to these very large snakes.

[irisheyes81]

Yes, rats do form bonds with each other, and can with people as well. As do cats (since you mentioned cats in an earlier post). In fact, many cat breeds pick a single person as their person.

[Camille]

And, yes, I understand there is a difference between a dog and a snake. My point is, though, that if you are going to be able to keep it as a pet, the same rules apply. If the animal poses such a great risk, that you cannot trust that it will not kill a child if it accidentally gets out...then it should never be around a family in the first place. An alligator's instinct is to hunt. They do not care about people, either. And we are not allowed to have them as pets. They are dangerous animals that can not be controlled or contained easily...and that is very similar to these very large snakes.

But they can be easily contained. IF you buy a proper cage for them. It's not like they can pick locks!

[QuiltyConscience]

No, not yet, but they are considering re-homing it. If they are placing it with a trained snake person, then that is understandable. I am under the impression from the article, though, they are not keeping it in the herp rescue.


I wonder why?

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation spokeswoman Joy Hill said the snake will be placed with someone who has a permit, pending an investigation into the girl's death.

I guess there just aren't that many places that have the facilities to contain and care for a snake like that. Still, I can't imagine re homing it.

Who would want a snake that killed a baby?

[JudyJudyJudy]

Dogs can easily be contained with proper cages, too, but they're still put down after they kill someone. What a life to be in a cage!

[Camille]

1- Rodents can't strangle small children. 2- Rodents can indeed become attached to humans, so I'm not seeing the comparison.

If you are talking about rats, I can agree. I have had rats as pets, also. They are much like dogs, except they don't shed as much. Other rodent, such as mice and gerbils, not so much.

The comparison had to do with the level of attachment an animal has for its keeper. And, it's relative, I suppose.

[irisheyes81]

But they can be easily contained. IF you buy a proper cage for them. It's not like they can pick locks!

Zoo animals are also properly contained, but there are still cases of them killing people. It happens, even with extremely trained professionals. An extremely large, dangerous animal should not be allowed to be kept in a home with children, or where it could potentially have easy access to a child that is not with an adult at all times.

If a snake is eventually going to be large enough that one person can not easily handle it, then it really is too big to be considered a safe family pet.

[Camille]

Dogs can easily be contained with proper cages, too, but they're still put down after they kill someone. What a life to be in a cage!

That's all captive snakes have known, though. And, they don't really "need" exercise. Even in the wild, a snake spends the good part of his day basking in the sunlight to stay warm, and really only moves to find prey.

[Camille]

Zoo animals are also properly contained, but there are still cases of them killing people. It happens, even with extremely trained professionals. An extremely large, dangerous animal should not be allowed to be kept in a home with children, or where it could potentially have easy access to a child that is not with an adult at all times.

And I agree with you. I disagree, however, that the snake should be put down for doing what nature dictated.

[irisheyes81]

Well, that's why I said it would be best if it was placed in a wild animal facility. If that is not possible, though, it should be put down rather than placed in another home; that was what I was trying to get across.

[JudyJudyJudy]

And I agree with you. I disagree, however, that the snake should be put down for doing what nature dictated.
Dogs are also doing what nature dictated when they kill. Should they not be put down, either?

[Bellaelle]

Dogs are also doing what nature dictated when they kill. Should they not be put down, either?

Not just dogs, but sharks who attack people are hunted down and killed. Same goes for bears, mountain lions, alligators etc.
Snakes should be held to the same standard.

[Camille]

Well, that's why I said it would be best if it was placed in a wild animal facility. If that is not possible, though, it should be put down rather than placed in another home; that was what I was trying to get across.

I kind of thought, by your first post, that it should be put down (and not be kept in an animal sanctuary) simply because it strangled somebody:

I am also wondering why they are re-homing the snake. If a dog kills someone, I am pretty sure it is put down, correct? Would a the snake not consider humans (at least children) a source of food after this attack?


Really, though, if a person takes the time to get a permit to house a large python, don't you think (in all likelihood) that they would also take the time and effort to properly house said snake? I will take solace in that.

There are far more children killed/maimed each year by dogs, that I just can't get all worked up over ONE child being killed by a snake (and want to make it illegal to own one as a pet). It is sad... as all deaths are. The snake owner is a turd and HE should be charged for neglect, at least. But, snakes aren't shitty pets just because of this one incident. And that was my point. There are quite a few of us who take snake ownership seriously. :)

[Camille]

Dogs are also doing what nature dictated when they kill. Should they not be put down, either?

Dogs are pack animals. Their genetic predisposition is different than a snake's. And, yes, if a dog violates the rules of the pack, it should be put down.

Dogs who kill/maul kids to death don't do so for feeding purposes. They do it for DOMINANCE reasons, which is entirely a different ball game. (ever heard of a dog killing and then eating a child/person? I'm sure it happens, but the occurrence is very rare). Generally, the killing/maiming is part of establishing pack order.

[JudyJudyJudy]

Regardless, that's nature.

[Bellaelle]

One child killed by a snake is one child too many for me.

[Camille]

Not just dogs, but sharks who attack people are hunted down and killed. Same goes for bears, mountain lions, alligators etc.
Snakes should be held to the same standard.

Wow. The blood lust doesn't stop, does it?

If we didn't invade/take over THEIR hunting grounds, this wouldn't be an issue. So whose fault is it, really?

[Bellaelle]

Wow. The blood lust doesn't stop, does it?

If we didn't invade/take over THEIR hunting grounds, this wouldn't be an issue. So whose fault is it, really?


You are getting to a whole other debate with your question. The point of my post is to show that once an animal kills or maims a human, they are usually put down. I am disgusted this snake was not held to the same standard. Quite frankly, I do not understand why the damn owner did not kill it.

[irisheyes81]

Yes, I also disagree with killing a wild animal that kills in its own territory. A person is taking a risk venturing into a dangerous wild animal's territory. When you swim in the ocean, you have to realize you are putting yourself on the lower level of the food chain. ETA: I understand the point Bella was making, though, and outside of trying to find a wild animal sanctuary, I agree with her.

Also, Camille, I am not against snake ownership. As I mentioned earlier, I would like to own a snake when my children are much older. I just do not agree with the large species of snakes as pets. Again, that is like owning an alligator. They might be able to be contained, but they are still powerful, large animals that can easily overpower an adult, so a child does not stand a chance. So, I just do not see them as a good family pet. A corn snake or ball python, though, is a nice sized snake that is easily handled by a person. My neighbors have a ball python, and my 5 year old can easily handle the snake (with adult supervision, of course). A Burmese python is quite a bit different, though.

[JudyJudyJudy]

I just do not agree with the large species of snakes as pets. Again, that is like owning an alligator. They might be able to be contained, but they are still powerful, large animals that can easily overpower an adult, so a child does not stand a chance. So, I just do not see them as a good family pet.
This is where I am on the issue as well.

[BeanBabies]

Lol. Rodents aren't pack animals, either, yet many people keep them as pets.

FTR, I would never own a burmese python, as they get too big and I simply don't have the room to accommodate one. I have a ball python, which is about 4.5ft long, and won't get any bigger (though, he is very beefy).

I thought about getting a corn snake before my friend gave me Bones, and they are even smaller yet than balls are.



The day a rodent strangles, bites and kills a young child then we'll compare gerbils to snakes. "lol9"

[Justicedog]

I don't think that the snake is a "bad" snake. I don't think it capable of doing much more than trying to survive, which means hunting and killing stuff it can eat. It didn't think, hey, I'm going to show those humans and kill thier baby. It thought, I'm hungry, there's something I may be able to fit in my mouth.

Dogs think more than snakes do. There can be bad dogs, although it's usually a result of poor training on the part of an owner.

I think that the snake doesn't pose a threat to humans any more than any other snake. You can't say that about a dog who has killed a child. I don't think the snake should be killed out of principle. The snake isn't bad, it just is as snake.

I think requiring a special permit for these huge snakes, as they require for other non-domesticated, wild animals, is reasonable, considering the problem they're having with many of the owners getting overwhelmed and letting them go free, as well as the risk. Part of what should be needed to get the special permit would be showing one can securely cage the animal, properly handle the animal and what their reasonable plans are in case of natural disaster (if the area is prone to widespread, destructive natural disasters like hurricaines). I think this is reasonable. There should be some management and follow-up for these animals to ensure that their not being set free. One should have to prove how they disposed of the snake when they no longer have it.

[BeanBabies]

And I agree with you. I disagree, however, that the snake should be put down for doing what nature dictated.

Whoa, that's a reeeaaaal slippery slope, though.

[BeanBabies]

One child killed by a snake is one child too many for me.

Yes. Once there are 2.2 snakes in each home (or whatever the ridiculously high numbers are) then I'll pay attention to the statistics.


For what it's worth, I don't think the snake needs to be killed.

[still_me]

Wild animals that "hunt" people do exist. There are numerous cases about lions that come into villages and hunt. Once they have a taste for human flesh and blood, they stick to it. Google that crap. It exists. Alligators have been hunted and killed in Africa. When they slice open their bellies, they find multiple bracelets that the women wear while washing clothes. They hunt the women.

Now, before anyone reads the first couple of sentences and gets their panties in a knot, let me say: I don't think this snake hunted the little girl. That being said, it's natural instinct is to kill for it's food. I DO wonder though, if (like any other animal that kills a human) it will repeat it's past given the opportunity. Dogs attack for dominance, this snake attacked for food. Both animals act out of "natural instinct", and both should be put down.

When this guy got his snake and when the mom combined households with him, they both knew the nature of the beast. Unfortunately, either they were too ignorant to know the true danger and how to take proper care, OR it was a freak accident.

[Justicedog]

They "hunt" the women passing up other prey or the women just happen to be more vulnerable than the gazelle taking a drink from the water?

[irisheyes81]

I'm not sure why people think that alligators, lions, and other carnivorous animals would hunt large prey that can move quickly, but think humans are just out of the question. The only reason people are out of the question, normally, is because we avoid their territories. If you are in their areas, though, you are definitely a potential food source, just as any other slow moving animal that walks into their hunting territory will be.

I think your special permit idea is reasonable, Justicedog. I just do not see a regular home as a good place for one of these snakes, especially since I do not imagine to many regular people are trained to handle a 200lb, 23 ft snake. When I saw the snakes in our local shelters, though, there were not special requirements to adopt them, except for one that was extremely large...you could not have kids if you wanted to adopt it.

[still_me]

They "hunt" the women passing up other prey or the women just happen to be more vulnerable than the gazelle taking a drink from the water?


Hunted. When DH comes home I'll ask him the title of the book that we read. It talks about animals in Africa that aren't as "cute" as people think...like elephants. lol

[Meredith]

And cats are loyal.. We have 3, one is definitely my husband's cat, and she follows him everywhere, and prefers his lap over anyone else's, One cat is my cat and she likes me best, and the other cat seems to like the kids and mostly prefers the dog over anybody.


I'm this far, but I completely agree. I'm definitely biased toward cats, I'll own that. My cat (and each of the 9 cats that I've had) is *very* loyal. Of course, the motive behind it has a lot to do with their own survival and comfort - that goes for pretty much any animal.

I think we as people tend to perceive animal behavior in a human way - we see them snuggle on our lap, and we think "awww, they love me so much", and while that's not entirely untrue, they're usually cuddling with you for reasons that are more utilitarian and practical. For example, my cat tends to prefer my lap because it's bigger than DH's, so there's more room for her to stretch out. She likes the warmth of my lap and the familiarity of my smell (which is true for DH as well). She absolutely adores Dax, which I think is related to her maternal instinct to protect and nuture. We translate a lot of things things as "love", when I think they really have more instinctual reasons behind them.

However, I do believe that those instincts can definitely breed loyalty. For sure.

[HammBugga]

The snake should be put down and no one should have a permit to have one of them. They belong in the jungle, not in someones living room. As far as it doing what nature intended, one could argue that a hungry dog who attacks and kills a child was also doing that. Should it be allowed to kill again? I think we all know the answer to that.

[KerryS]

Who would want a snake that killed a baby?

The snake isn't evil. The snake was just doing what snakes do.

[KerryS]

If a snake is eventually going to be large enough that one person can not easily handle it, then it really is too big to be considered a safe family pet.

I agree with this.

[KerryS]

As far as it doing what nature intended, one could argue that a hungry dog who attacks and kills a child was also doing that.

As Camille already pointed out, the vast VAST majority of cases of dogs that attack and kill a child are not out a motivation dictated by hunger.

[Ilovemonkeys]

Slighty OT, why is it that most of the time you hear about something happening to a child it almost always involves the mother's boyfriend?
There are 2 headlines in my local paper today alone about boyfriend's killing their girlfriend's child. And just a few weeks ago a boyfriend beat an infant to death when the mom left the baby with the bf.

It seems to happen a lot.

[Justicedog]

Slighty OT, why is it that most of the time you hear about something happening to a child it almost always involves the mother's boyfriend?
There are 2 headlines in my local paper today alone about boyfriend's killing their girlfriend's child. And just a few weeks ago a boyfriend beat an infant to death when the mom left the baby with the bf.

It seems to happen a lot.

I agree. It seems a disproportionate amount of injuries, deaths and sexual abuse of children are the result of the step parent, usually stepfather.

I have some serious reservations about bringing a step father into the lives of my children. I'd have to really be sure and I don't know if I am capable of that much certainty.

[KerryS]

Slighty OT, why is it that most of the time you hear about something happening to a child it almost always involves the mother's boyfriend?
There are 2 headlines in my local paper today alone about boyfriend's killing their girlfriend's child. And just a few weeks ago a boyfriend beat an infant to death when the mom left the baby with the bf.

It seems to happen a lot.

My completely scientific, unemotional answer is that it's an animalistic, biological response. Another male's children are a threat to male animals, because he wants HIS genes to reproduce, not another man's. So he gets rid of the threat. It happens all the time in the animal world.

My sociological answer is that a lot of divorced/single women have low self-esteem and never learned how to select their mate well. They're lonely and make choices for selfish reasons, rather than what's in the best interest of her children.

[irisheyes81]

I was going to go with your second answer, Kerry. I know a LOT of women that bounce from relationship to relationship...whether they have kids or not...never really taking the time to get to know the guy. I think that plays a very large role. With stepdads/boyfriends, they also spend a lot more time with the children, since mothers usually have primary custody. So, they have far more opportunities to inflict harm on the child.

Though, in this case, I do not think the boyfriend intentionally set the snake on the girl, and I do not consider the mother less responsible, since she moved her child into a home with a large snake.

[KerryS]

I also believe that the biological tie a parent has to their child helps to prevent them from wanting to inflict harm when the child is being especially trying (I"m thinking like a colicky baby who screams for HOURS at a time). A boyfriend/stepparent doesn't have that biological protective mechanism.

[Tiffers]

The snake isn't evil. The snake was just doing what snakes do.


While defending the snakes actions, you have made yet another point as to why snakes like these should not be domesticated.

"The snake was just doing what snakes do" = crawling into a 2 year old's crib to strangle and try to eat her.

Not an ideal pet imo.

[irisheyes81]

Kerry, I think that plays a role also, but not as big of one. Animals, including people, adopt the young of others all the time. I do not see them as being at greater risk of hurting their adopted children than a biological parent. In some cases, the adopted parent is far safer than the biological parent (heavy drug addict, physically abusive, etc). I think it just depends on the person, really, when it comes to biological ties.

[RaisingThemLeft]

Slighty OT, why is it that most of the time you hear about something happening to a child it almost always involves the mother's boyfriend?
There are 2 headlines in my local paper today alone about boyfriend's killing their girlfriend's child. And just a few weeks ago a boyfriend beat an infant to death when the mom left the baby with the bf.

It seems to happen a lot.

In this case the death didn't really seem to involve the mother's bf. Didn't the snake belong to both of them? And both were home? Wasn't he just the one who picked up the phone and dialed 911?

[KerryS]

While defending the snakes actions, you have made yet another point as to why snakes like these should not be domesticated.

"The snake was just doing what snakes do" = crawling into a 2 year old's crib to strangle and try to eat her.

Not an ideal pet imo.

No, not an ideal pet, but I think it *can* be perfectly appropriate if it has appropriate housing. Which this snake did not.

[KerryS]

In this case the death didn't really seem to involve the mother's bf. Didn't the snake belong to both of them? And both were home? Wasn't he just the one who picked up the phone and dialed 911?


I don't know - my guess, due to the child's age and the size of the snake, is that the boyfriend owned the snake long before he and this woman got involved. It was probably his pet before he and this woman started cohabitating.

[RaisingThemLeft]

You are getting to a whole other debate with your question. The point of my post is to show that once an animal kills or maims a human, they are usually put down. I am disgusted this snake was not held to the same standard. Quite frankly, I do not understand why the damn owner did not kill it.

Sounds like the owner came close. The article said he stabbed it repeatedly. It lived.

[Tiffers]

No, not an ideal pet, but I think it *can* be perfectly appropriate if it has appropriate housing. Which this snake did not.


Even with appropriate housing and care, humans are humans. We are not perfect. We make mistakes, we get sidetracked. With a snake like that it only takes ONE time for the owner to make the mistake of not properly securing the snakes cage.

It's just not worth the risk of a child's life, IMO.

[RaisingThemLeft]

I don't know - my guess, due to the child's age and the size of the snake, is that the boyfriend owned the snake long before he and this woman got involved. It was probably his pet before he and this woman started cohabitating.

Oh. In the 911 call he had said "our stupid snake got out and killed the baby" so I took that to mean it was both of their snake.

[irisheyes81]

Yeah, I was a bit confused by that, also. He referred to it as "ours", but the authorities referred to it as "his".

[ColleenF30]

Yeah, I was a bit confused by that, also. He referred to it as "ours", but the authorities referred to it as "his".


Probably officially his, but he considered it joint property.

[irisheyes81]

The snake was not registered, though, so officially, neither of them owned it.

[Tweet]

The snake isn't evil. The snake was just doing what snakes do.


I agree. I do think that it seems like a bad idea to own,though. It just seems they'd be better left to their own habitat. Maybe I'm wrong.

[JudyJudyJudy]

Probably officially his, but he considered it joint property.
I suspect he had the snake before she moved in with him.

[ColleenF30]

I suspect he had the snake before she moved in with him.


I figure that too. Even when my hubby was only living with me we referred to the pets as ours even though I had gotten then years earlier.

[still_me]

For anyone interested in the book I mentioned before, it is Death In The Long Grass by Peter Hathaway Capstick. Here is review/rundown of his book:

http://books.google.com/books?id=yCXQNj5NN20C&sitesec=reviews&source=gbs_navlinks_s


This annoys me on a couple of levels: "our stupid snake got out and killed the baby"

I'm sure the guy is upset, but I don't know how he didn't go completely crazy on it. If it were me, they would have found me hacking into that thing and pulling out it's heart ala' Last of the Mohicans. Maybe I am unstable like that though.

[HammBugga]

If it were me, I would say "hell no" to moving into a house with a snake that size.

[irisheyes81]

Yes, I'd be quite nervous to sleep in a house with such a large snake. I definitely would not even consider letting my children sleep under the same roof as it.

[KerryS]

As I'm sure others have guessed, I wouldn't have a problem with it as long as it was properly housed.

I wouldn't want to be very close when it was handled, though.

[ChristmasTree]

oh my gosh. i just now read this. this is the most terrible thing!!! those parents should be charged with the death of the baby. i hope they both get put in jail!