Charmers threaten to unleash snakes on parliament

[haroldo359]

11-28-2004

Snake charmers in the Indian state of Orissa have threatened to release snakes in the state assembly to protest against restrictions being imposed on them.

The snake charmers say that pressure from animal rights activists is driving them from the streets.

Several of the performers have recently been arrested under wildlife protection laws and had their snakes confiscated.

But now the head of a snake charming community says unless their problems are addressed they will release hundreds of snakes in the capital and even in the state assembly.

Wildlife campaigners insist snake charming is cruel and often results in the animal's death.

But the snake charmers say nearly 20,000 people work in the industry and it is them, not the snakes, who are facing extinction.

http://www.infoaboutnetwork.com/view/news/694/

[jonathon]

I have heard that sometimes these poor snakies have their mouths sewn shut so they cannot bite and eventually they starve to death.

These snake charmers need to find a new career, like answering tech support calls for the US or something.

[JuliusSqueezer]

They don't have 7-11s and Motel 6 in India?

[lodigirl12]

Dude, snake charmers are mean. Did you know (juliussqueezer) that i have one of your snakes? We got a snake from you in the mail, and he was dead. My mom Suzi C. told you and you sent us your fav.His name is Loki, member? Send me so,e thing back.

[Atlanta Braves Baby!]

Wow that sucks