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Post by ccfcexile on Apr 1, 2007 21:48:39 GMT 1
This is my opinion, I don't want to offend anyone but I don't think their is any reason for anyone to own a venomous snake.
Non-venomous snakes are just as much a great pet and without the added risk. I belive that Venomous snakes should only be kept for conservation purposes, for study into the species and to produce anti-venom for wild bites.
Saying that, (and this is very hypocritical of me), If you had one I'd love to come around to see it!!!
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Post by Paul on Apr 1, 2007 22:08:44 GMT 1
I'm not sure to be honest. Some rear fang snakes (like hoggies) I think are alright as pets. They're not exactly an aggressive species.
But I dont see the point in keeping something like Black Mambas and Taipans. The risk of being bitten is quite high with such species as it is their main defense. I believe these should only be kept for conservation and for producing antivenoms.
Although, like you, i'm quite hypocritical because I'd like a gila monster or two ;D
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Post by geckomadgyal on Apr 2, 2007 19:47:10 GMT 1
i dont see why people cant own venomous snakes. as long as you know what you're doing there shouldnt be a problem.
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Post by Paul on Apr 2, 2007 20:12:28 GMT 1
i dont see why people cant own venomous snakes. as long as you know what you're doing there shouldnt be a problem. but think how many unexperienced people would run out there wanting a cobra shall we say. Under these circumstances there would be a rise in unwanted reptiles because of lack of knowledge. Its better for people to research any dangerous animal first and know whats ahead of them before they even consider the license but thats just my views. Some people probably agree where as others will disagree. |
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Post by geckomadgyal on Apr 2, 2007 20:35:58 GMT 1
yeah venomous snakes are venomous because its their defence against predators in the WILD. keeping any animal even if its captive bred still has features which may be dangerous to the human, therefore they need the particular care they need and the right owner that vos to keep them. im 100% an inexperienced person owning a venomous snake but there's nothing you can do i suppose. so i say yes for experienced and serious keepers and no for the rest
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Post by petsnakes on Apr 2, 2007 23:57:48 GMT 1
Hi, First of all, I'd like to say how refreshing it is to see a topic like this actually being discussed without it turning into the usual bickering match that you often see on other forums. I have been involved in 'discussions' in the past over the whole subject of DWA licencing procedures in the UK. However, common sense seemed to play little part. I'll probably come back to that at some point in the future.  I'd really just like to pick up on part of an earlier post............. yeah venomous snakes are venomous because its their defence against predators in the WILD. The main reason for the venom is actually to aquire food. It's a lot easier and less dangerous for the snake to be able to simply strike quickly and release, then wait until the prey animal dies before eating it. Some venomous snakes can go from a standing start, strike, inject venom, release and get back to the strike position in one third of a second. That is fast! The haemo toxin actually begins to break down the body tissue of the prey animal before the snake eats it. So the venom is actually part of the digestive process. Most venomous snakes actually take a fair bit of goading before they will strike. They'd much rather slip away and avoid any confrontation. The effect of these toxins on the human body is quite horrendous as can be seen on the following web site............ Remember, these are some of the 'lucky' people who survived. Just think of the effect that one third of a second has had on their lives. **********WARNING**********
**THESE PICTURES ARE EXTREMELY GRAPHIC**
***and I mean EXTREMELY!*** If you're still sure that you want to look, click on the link below. www.tongs.com/gallery/index.php?G=snakebitesI hope I haven't given anybody nightmares! Bye for now, Jim |
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Post by Paul on Apr 3, 2007 0:08:10 GMT 1
Some very educational pics there Jim. A little gruesome I will admit but I guess that just goes to show the consequences of snake bites.
I personally hope that if anyone on here does decide on venomous pets in the future, who aren't experienced, check these out before hand as well as research thoroughly before making any sudden moves into buying anything.
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Post by petsnakes on Apr 3, 2007 0:16:30 GMT 1
It would also be a good idea to buy a very fast and very aggressive non venomous snake first (Something like a Black Racer would do) and every time you get nailed look at those pictures of the 'lucky' people.
Bye for now,
Jim
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Post by ccfcexile on Apr 3, 2007 6:12:25 GMT 1
The argument is the same for all animals I suppose. I'm opposed to Venoumous snake keeping because of the lack of knowledge that the owner may have. Like owning a pit bull (banned here), or any dangerous dog!!!
Views are views and that is why we live in a democracy!!!
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Kimmy
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Post by Kimmy on Apr 3, 2007 12:54:22 GMT 1
I've just read through your arguments and I can see both sides. I think they should be allowed. It's the same with any animal, you should look into it before you buy one, and have experience in something similar if it can cause you harm. With the right knowledge and experience, no harm should come from you owning a venemous snake. However, saying that, it seems even with the knowledge and experience, accidents do happen.
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punkyjen
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[M:-150]
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Post by punkyjen on Apr 3, 2007 13:49:41 GMT 1
dont you need a licence in the uk to keep venomous snakes? i thought you did! lol. I dint think there is much point to house a snake thats only gona bite you. that goes for vemomous and non venomous animals/reps etc..... if they bite you, they dont wana be handled and i dont see the point in having a pet i cant handle. Then its more like an ornament(cant spell it) lol. And what if it got out? and went into someones house? with children and all sorts.... too much stress/money and work and no benefits for me. But if other people want to keep them and are responsible, thats up to them.  |
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Post by petsnakes on Apr 3, 2007 18:13:59 GMT 1
dont you need a licence in the uk to keep venomous snakes? i thought you did! lol. Yup, you do need a Dangerous Wild Animals Licence (DWA) to legally own a venomous snake in the UK. However, taking class A drugs, using a mobile phone whilst driving, underage drinking, underage sex, and carrying a knife are all illegal in the UK. The point I'm trying to make is that just because something is illegal doesn't mean that people won't do it. Then there's the issue of deciding who can and who can't keep them. Who would make that decision, what would they base it on and how would they enforce it? The more you look into it the more complicated it gets. Just because somebody has been keeping a snake for years doesn't necessarily mean that they are ready to keep venomous snakes. There's also the problem of who looks after the snake (or snakes) if the owner goes on holiday, becomes ill or is injured in an accident and has to stay in hospital for a period of time. The more people keeping venomous snakes, the greater the chance of an 'accident' happening. Whether it's the owner being bitten or the snake escaping. Just a few things to think about. Bye for now, Jim |
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Post by fionak on May 10, 2007 16:22:08 GMT 1
OK. My tuppenceworth (from a personal point of view).
I wouldn't like to keep a venomous snake because I like to be able to handle my snakes.
What I would like to do though is be taught by a professional how to handle a venomous snake properly.
There are many beautiful species of venomous snakes e.g. Cobras. These really are majestic snakes that demand, and should be given every respect.
I'm not against people owning venomous snakes, provided they know exactly what they're doing, have the snakes housed properly and are DWA licenced.
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Post by macadder on Sept 2, 2007 20:53:48 GMT 1
..venomous snakes are venomous because its their defence against predators…. As petsnakes has said venom is used for securing food, as this is the primary reason for venom. This is also a very expensive resource and cannot just be wasted. Defense would be the last resort. I do not live in the UK but the question is an open one (I hope). My answer is that very, very few venomous keepers are killed by their ‘pets’ in comparison with those that are killed by wild snakes. Most people who are bit by wild animals are bit because they are inebriated or just interfering with the animal. More people are killed in North American and the UK by domestic horses and domestic dogs than snakes so why are we not talking about banning these animals??? |
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