When a poorly cared for pit bull kills a child, how many responsible beagle owners are chastised?
I have had numerous people use this story to imply that I am being irresponsible simply by having snakes. One even implied that my wife and I must get rid of our snakes if we ever plan on having children... it drives me crazy.
Not only is my situation in no way comparable to this one, but 99% of the people I know pursue more dangerouse hobbies/activities than snake husbandry. Boating, hunting, recreational driving, gun collecting, rock climbing, marathon running, even casual alcohol consumption... the list goes on. And I don't want to imply that I disagree with these activities; I believe people should feel free to pursue their passions responsibly.
But if I've even mentioned that I own a python to someone, this story seems to signify that I'm some sort of miscreant with little regard for public or personal safety.
Some people's irrational fear and ignorance of snakes just really gets under my skin. Things like this should not reflect poorly on me.
Sorry to rant and/or stray from this very unfortunate topic, but it's been building and I needed to vent.
At least nobody worries about my tortoise... although I personally think once he's adult size, he'll be the most hazardous animal I own. [WINKING FACE]
I have had numerous people use this story to imply that I am being irresponsible simply by having snakes. One even implied that my wife and I must get rid of our snakes if we ever plan on having children... it drives me crazy.
Not only is my situation in no way comparable to this one, but 99% of the people I know pursue more dangerouse hobbies/activities than snake husbandry. Boating, hunting, recreational driving, gun collecting, rock climbing, marathon running, even casual alcohol consumption... the list goes on. And I don't want to imply that I disagree with these activities; I believe people should feel free to pursue their passions responsibly.
But if I've even mentioned that I own a python to someone, this story seems to signify that I'm some sort of miscreant with little regard for public or personal safety.
Some people's irrational fear and ignorance of snakes just really gets under my skin. Things like this should not reflect poorly on me.
Sorry to rant and/or stray from this very unfortunate topic, but it's been building and I needed to vent.
At least nobody worries about my tortoise... although I personally think once he's adult size, he'll be the most hazardous animal I own. [WINKING FACE]