PET PYTHON KILLS BOYS – at other times, such a snake has killed a pet owner, baby, etc. I must scream: “NO, never again!*
Vol. 4, No.19, Monday, August 19, 2012
TITLE: “PET PYTHON KILLS BOYS – at other times, such a snake has killed a pet owner, baby, etc. I must scream: “NO, never again!*”
INTRODUCTION
I’m back!!!! There was recent media coverage of the tragic death of two boys sleeping overnight in an upstairs flat –they were killed by a python, which escaped from a downstairs pet store. The snake was a Rock African Python. It happened in New Brunswick, Canada. If I heard right, the parents are not angry at the pet owner. If this is so, it’s incredible! This evoked personal memories for me. I want to share my experience with you. This brings up the question: “Is a python considered a pet?” You would be surprised at the answer. I was. My book of the week is therefore Pythons [Paperback] Patricia Bartlett (Author), Ernie Wagner (Author). (Editor’s Note: This is another post in a continuing series on general issues.)
ANTOINETTE’S LIFE & TIMES*
A few years ago, I discovered that one of my tenants had a snake as a pet. Guess what – it was a python. Apparently, this mother had decided to buy it for her daughter. The lease clearly stated “No pets allowed”. I immediately called her and informed her that she was in violation of her lease. Surprisingly, she refused to get rid of it.
I was put in a position where I didn’t feel safe in my own house. I felt violated. I was always on guard. I was afraid for my life. But also, I feared an infestation from mice. You see, most snake owners feed their pets live mice. And during a feeding, there’s always a chance that a mouse might run away.
I then made a complaint with the authorities. Even more surprising, I discovered that a snake, even a python, was considered a pet suitable for a residence. It didn’t require a special facility or cage. I was shocked! The end result was that she decided to leave on her own.
I also have other stories.
Story #1: There was one of a python, which had escaped from its tank. The house then had to be evacuated because the people couldn’t find it.
Story #2: A friend just told me about a woman keeping six pythons in her home regardless of having two small children. Clearly, this is an accident waiting to happen.
Story #3: On the news Friday, August 16th 2013, it was reported that police were called to a hotel in Brantford (near Toronto Canada). In one room, there were 40 snakes ranging from 30 cm to 1.40 m, abandoned in plastic recycling type containers. The couple had been ejected from the room. There were even snake eggs. The SPCA reported that the animals were mal-treated. Neighbors were shocked and outraged. It’s unbelievable that people could be so stupid and reckless.
THE AUTHOR: Patricia Bartlett
Patricia Bartlett is a writer – she is interested in animals, particularly reptiles, etc. She contributes regularly to Reptile and Amphibian Hobbyist. Along with her husband, Richard, Bartlett has coauthored more than 35 books on reptiles and amphibians.
SERIES/COLLECTION
Books/Articles:
To name a few, several are:
- New Mexico’s Reptiles and Amphibians: A Field Guide by R. D. Bartlett and Patricia P. Bartlett (Oct 1 2013)
- Bearded Dragons by R.D. Bartlett and Patricia Bartlett (Apr 1 2009)
- Leopard and Fat-Tailed Geckos by R.D. Bartlett and Patricia Bartlett (Apr 1 2009
- Day Geckos: Facts & Advice on Care and Breeding by Richard Bartlett and Patricia Bartlett (Sep 1 2001)
- Chameleons by R.D. Bartlett and Patricia Bartlett (Mar 1 2005)
THE BOOK: Pythons [Paperback] by Patricia Bartlett (Author), Ernie Wagner (Author)
Dog and cat owners can be passionate about their pets. Some people, looking for the exotic, think that the smaller species in the Python family will make interesting pets. Although I cannot see how, if you are so inclined, perhaps, you might take a look at this manual, one of the Barron’s Complete Pet Owner’s Manual series. These books target youngsters as well as new pet owners, giving information and directions on housing, feeding, breeding, and health care. Each is written by a species expert. It also has pictures. The manual on pythons may not be my cup of tea, but it may be yours.
CONCLUSION
The loss of life is terrible. Since it was two little boys – it’s devastating news.
Personal Comments
I say:
- That pythons should not be kept as pets.
- That there should be zero tolerance when it comes to putting other people’s life at risk.
- That pythons should be banned.
- That if pythons are to be allowed as pets, there then should be stricter laws on ownership of these animals. An owner should require a permit to have a python as a pet. That there should be tighter control on permits.
- That snakes should not be kept as house pets. It must be kept in a zoo. As it grows, it becomes not only expensive to feed, but also riskier due to the chance that the mice may run away. More importantly, it may be more difficult to keep the snake in its tank-cage. It may escape.
The Point
I have some questions.
- “How could such a vicious animal be kept in a pet shop in the same building below a residence?” (I answer: “A person is entitled to personal safety, especially in a home. Surely, he or she should be able to go to sleep without fear of being attacked by a strange and deadly animal.”)
- “How could this business owner put everybody in the building at risk?”(I answer: “He should not be able to do so. It’s just common sense. Certain snakes, particularly pythons, are dangerous –they have taken the lives of people. No one should be allowed to have such an animal in a work place close to residences, especially if it is a multiple family building. Of course, these snakes have been known to escape by way of pipes into another apartment.
There have been many incidents where a snake has escaped. Hopefully, this terrible tragedy will help change the law.
ANTOINETTE’S TIP SHEET*
Everyone should:
- Note that having a pet is supposed to be beneficial;
- Recognize that there is a reason certain pets are common in an urban setting;
- Ask questions about your proposed pet;
- Reject exotic when it brings a threat of harm to others: your family and neighbors and even to you, yourself;
- Pay attention, if you insist, to cage and tank your python, without any possibility of escape;
- Remember that you will pay a big price, emotionally and financially, if someone is injured or killed due to your pet;
- Lobby the authorities to bring in laws, rules and regulations prohibiting the practice of keeping such dangerous creatures as pets; and at the very least, obliging owners of such pets to take strict precautions.
If you want to keep a python in your city residence, think twice. I think that this behavior is dangerous to others. However, if you do it anyway, you might be a snake yourself!
And that’s my thought of the week on books, what’s yours?*
Take it out for a spin and tell me if you agree.
ALP
“Books are life; and they make life better!*”
PREVIEW
P.S. Big News: There are changes coming to my blog – Please stay tuned.
P.P.S. #1 I have a TWITTER page. Consider becoming a follower? Visit www.twitter.com – saveandread
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CREDITS
-Web Tech: richmediasound.com
The above is a new media production of Valente under its “United Author*” program.
*TM/© 2013 Practitioners’ Press Inc. – All Rights Reserved.
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PAGE 2
NEED SOMETHING FURTHER? TRY SAVE AND READ* (S&R*) .
ONE – “IT WORDS FOR ME!*”
“A python is a constricting snake belonging to the Python (genus), or, more generally, any snake in the family Pythonidae (containing the Python genus)”.(Source: Wikipedia the free encyclopedia) – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Python
“The Pythonidae, commonly known simply as pythons, from the Greek word python (πυθων), are a family of nonvenomous (though see the section “Toxins” below) snakes found in Africa, Asia and Australia.”(Source: Wikipedia the free encyclopedia) – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pythonidae
TWO – STUDY/STATISTICS:
| Table 1241. Household Pet Ownership: 2006 | |||||
| [In percent, except as indicated (72.1 represents 72,100,000). Based on a sample survey of 47,000 households in 2006.] | |||||
| ITEM | Unit | Dogs | Cats | Birds | Horses |
| 2006: Total companion pet population \1 | Million | 72.1 | 81.7 | 11.2 | 7.3 |
| Number of households owning pets | Million | 43.0 | 37.5 | 4.5 | 2.1 |
| ..Percent of households owning companion pets \1 | Percent | 37.2 | 32.4 | 3.9 | 1.8 |
| ..Average number owned per household | Number | 1.7 | 2.2 | 2.5 | 3.5 |
| Percent of households owning pets | |||||
| ..Annual household income: Under $20,000 | Percent | 30.7 | 30.1 | 4.4 | 1.5 |
| ..$20,000 to $34,999 | Percent | 37.3 | 33.6 | 4.2 | 1.7 |
| ..$35,000 to $54,999 | Percent | 39.8 | 34.1 | 4.4 | 2.1 |
| ..$55,000 to $84,999 | Percent | 42.8 | 35.5 | 3.7 | 1.9 |
| ..$85,000 and over | Percent | 42.1 | 33.3 | 3.7 | 2.3 |
| Household size: \1 One person | Percent | 21.9 | 24.7 | 2.1 | 0.8 |
| ..Two persons | Percent | 37.6 | 33.4 | 3.9 | 1.7 |
| ..Three persons | Percent | 47.5 | 39.1 | 5.1 | 2.3 |
| ..Four persons | Percent | 51.9 | 38.5 | 5.4 | 2.7 |
| ..Five or more persons | Percent | 54.3 | 40.0 | 6.6 | 3.6 |
| Veterinary care and expenditures | |||||
| ..Households obtaining veterinary care \2 | Percent | 82.7 | 63.7 | 13.9 | 61.1 |
| ..Average visits per household per year | Number | 2.6 | 1.7 | 0.3 | 2.2 |
| Veterinary expenditures | |||||
| ..Expenditures per household per year (mean) | Dollars | 356 | 190 | 25 | 360 |
| ..Expenditures per animal (mean) | Dollars | 200 | 81 | 9 | 92 |
(Source: US Census Bureau) -http://www.census.gov/compendia/statab/2012/tables/12s1241.xls)
THREE – BONUS ARTICLES
S & R*NEWS ALERT*#1: Keep your pets safe in your vehicle
“(NC) Most dogs love to go for a car ride, but it’s up to their owners to ensure they ride along safely. We’ve all seen dogs sitting on a passenger’s lap or unrestrained in the back seat, so just as we’ve learned the importance of securing children when riding in a car, we also need to focus on pet safety.
Traveling short or long distances can be highly stressful, both for you and your animal best friend, says Colleen Skavinsky, the chief veterinary officer at Petsecure insurance. But with thoughtful preparation, you can ensure a safe and comfortable trip for everyone.
Petsecure offers the following tips to help protect you and your pet while traveling to the veterinarian, groomer, or even on a family vacation:
Cats and dogs should be restrained in the rear seat in pet harnesses or pet carriers that are secured by seat belts. During a collision or a sudden slam on the brakes, an unrestricted pet can be thrown about and possibly injured, or even injure a passenger.
Don’t let your pet roam freely in the car or sit on your lap. It’s dangerous for both of you. Airbags deployed in the front seat could harm your pet, as he or she could be crushed between you and the airbag, resulting in a serious or fatal injury.
Never let an animal run free in the bed of a pickup truck. This is a major cause of serious injury and death for animals in car accidents. A quick stop could send them out onto the street, or something interesting on the sidewalk could lead them to leap out into traffic.
Never leave an animal inside a car on a very cold or hot day. Even with the x_window.open, an outside temperature of 20 C can result in a vehicle becoming hot enough to injure or kill a pet.
A helpful video is available at www.petsecure.com/blog/petsecure/2013/04/02/keep-your-pets-safe-in-the-car” www.newscanada.com
S & R*NEWS ALERT*#2: Healthy serving of fresh thinking for your pet’s food
“(NC) Choosing the best food for a dog or cat’s needs is an important consideration that can play a big part in their long-term health, however it’s not the end of the story when it comes to their proper feeding.
Michele Dixon, Health and Nutrition Specialist with Petcurean, says how you feed your pet is an important complement to the food itself. She serves up these tips for your pet to savour every moment during mealtime. You can get more helpful information at www.petcurean.com.
Follow the feeding and transition guidelines on the pet food label and increase or decrease the amount you feed based on your pet’s activity level and weight.
The type of feeding bowl or dish matters. Choose a durable, non-porous material that’s easy to clean, won’t hold bacteria and can’t be chewed by your pet.
Use the right size dish for your pet to feed comfortably. For example, if your dog has a short snout, use a bowl with a sloped side, so it’s easier for them to get the food.
Avoid using the pet’s feeding bowl as a scooping utensil. Use a clean, scoop or spoon that’s only used for this purpose.
Wash pet food bowls and scooping utensils with soap and hot water after each use.
Refrigerate or discard any uneaten wet or canned pet food right away.” www.newscanada.com
*TM/© 2013 Practitioners’ Press Inc. – All Rights Reserved.