Hello everybody! It has been a long time since I posted, and I apologize for that. I've been reading about a current event regarding snakes and other exotic animals and it has me wanting to write a blog post about it.
The state of Ohio is currently attempting to pass a bill through the state House that will ban all constrictor snakes, venomous snakes, and other exotic pets. This bill is broad, far-reaching, and far too open to interpretation by local officials. The bill's text will be linked after the post.
There are at least two major events that brought national attention on the ownership of exotic or wild animals as pets. The first was a terrible incident in 2009 in which a young girl in Florida was killed by a Burmese python. This is a tragedy, to be sure. However, there is more to this story than has been reported by local news. This snake was starved, fed only roadkill. It's last meal had been one month prior to the accident. The snake's enclosure was also not secured. It was kept in a bag, within an aquarium that had only a blanket for a lid. The snake was 8 feet 6 inches long, and a toddler would look like prey to a starving, neglected snake.
Keep in mind, however, that this in no way is justifying this little girl's tragic death. There are facts not reported by mainstream media in an effort to encourage the propaganda that results in things like Ohio's H.B 352.
Just recently in Ohio, a local farm owner opened the cages of dozens of exotic animals, including lions, bears, wolves and tigers, then ended his own life. The majority of the animals had to be shot by local law enforcement and wildlife officials. This is unfortunate, but understandable. Something had to be done, a decision needed to be made, in order to protect nearby citizens.
Because of incidents like this, organizations like the Humane Society of the United States, PETA, and the ASPCA are all encouraging state and federal governments to ban the exotic pet trade. Not only would they have sale and interstate transport of exotic pets made illegal, they would also make it a criminal act to just own a snake! Organizations like USARK (United States Association of Reptile Keepers) are working hard to combat this threat.
Incidents like the ones discussed above are terrible and unfortunate. However, these irresponsible or uncaring owners are not examples of the reptile community. If concerned readers visit the discussion boards at Fauna Classifieds, Ball-pythons.net and other reputable communities, it will quickly become apparent that the reptile lovers in the United States and around the world want nothing more than a happy, healthy home for them and their unique pets.
Relevant Links:
United States Association of Reptile Keepers
Fauna Classifieds
BP.net
Ohio House Bill 352 - Snake Ban
As always, feel free to comment.
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