Case in Point

[Bschott]

Well, as I had been pointing out over th last few weeks seems to be comeing to a head. We all remember the guy that had 15 venomous snakes and was bitten by his Green Mamba in Indiana? Well the aftermath is here.

I saw even my local newcast talk about this during their national news section, and to get coverage on that the news has to be big. Anyway, the HSUS is calling for the ban of all dangerous wildlife in Indiana; the state where this took place. Indiana has a permit system in place, but this man does not have on of the permits. Only 15 are in place in the entire state. He faces 15 class A Felony counts in court.

Now the point is that this mess was created by a guy who shouldn't have owned a single Hognose, let alone a garner snake. He was trying to feed them MEALWORMS for crying out loud!

Now, certainly it's his fault for buying the snakes but that is only PART of the problem. Part of the responsibility is also the Seller! This attitude that a seller should be immune from any reprocussions is silly. Why is it that people that sell wolves/hybrids, Lynx, and other wild animals as pets have the attitude that they are responsible in making sure the animals go to someone who has the experiance and ability to properly care for them but (it seems) that many Hot sellers have an attitude such as "I just sell the snake. It's their fault if they can't care for it". I say punish those seller that will sell hots to the inexpirienced/ignorant.

Found a link to the SHHS website about this entire event:

And now the fallout - Experts Forum at VenomousReptiles.org


Here is a link you might find interesting. They finally got the posionous/venomous thing figured out but now the are dramatizing the snakes. The 'Puff Adder' info is really funny, but would scare me out of buying one if I hadn't already done research on them.
Man's snake collection deadly, illegal | IndyStar.com

[Bschott]

EDIT: After reviewing other stories, I found out it was MY mistake and they were talking about a Bitis. Opps.

Also, made the mistake that there are 12, not 15 permits in that state. Sorry

[VoodooChile]

This is the same guy who bought the Forest Cobra and posted about not knowing how to handle it, isnt it?

I posted about this on TRR, but I think it should be said everywhere.

Everyone into reptiles as a hobby needs to take steps to protect themselves, their animals, and the hobby as a whole.

In shows, it would be nice if the promoters supplied vendors a list of states that require permits to keep venomous snakes. I know TRR has a list pinned in their HOT ZONE by Anja that covers the basic state permit requirements.
When a person wants to purchase an animal at the show, the vendor should require State issued ID, along with providing proof of their permit if applicable in the residing state.

Granted, there will be some Vendors who do not wish to do this, and buyers that lie about their experience, or provide false documents. But at least its a STEP in the right direction.

I think it's easier to take your time on the internet sales and check permits, and valid ID versus at shows, where it can be hectic for Vendors..Taking that extra step might make the difference between us staying in our hobby, and providing it for the future herp lovers, or losing it.
ONE LESS negative venomous snake story the news would be reporting would not hurt our hobby.

Every negative thing that happens in the herp community comes back on ALL of us. Not just the guy who bought the snake, and lied about his experience, or about his residence, it comes back on the vendors, and other keepers who had NOTHING to do with this buyer or vendor.. wether it SHOULD or not, it DOES.

I, for one, don't want to see the venomous sales go down the tubes for good, and if that means I have to go the extra mile and get a permit, or provide ID or other documentation in order to keep these animals around for our hobby, I will.

[BWSmith]

Sadly, I think that we will see the end of private venomous collections in all but a few states (if not all) within our lifetime.

But the HSUS is going to get shot down in IN I think. The DNR has already told them "no" from what I hear. Why a ban? This person was working outside the law. Their argument doesn't hold merit. That would be akin to banning cars because of unlicensed drivers.

[JuliusSqueezer]

Interesting views you have Courtney...seeing as how you are one of the inexperienced gung-ho hot herp enthusiasts who refuses to face the reality about your own limitations and if you haven't already taken the plunge will likely soon be way over your head with animals you shouldn't have in close quarters with your very young children. So go ahead and bash the Indiana guy...I will be anything but shocked when the same story hits the press with your name attached sometime soon enough.

[BWSmith]

[crush]

I believe all Venders should have a list of all states that dont allow hots. I believe everyone should show ID in order to buy hots. I have been to shows and seen some very young people buy hots. Venders see $$$$$ not the fact that some kid might get killed. I should add in here not all venders are alike. The responcabilety should be shared. Just my opinion.

	Venomous Reptile A term commonly used to refer to a venomous reptile. Most commonly used in reference to venomous snakes.