Since the subject of proper handling has been brought up, consider these thoughts;
While improper handling is obviously psychologically disturbing to the snake, the physiological effects, perhaps not as obvious, have to be taken into account. Most terrestrial snakes have no mechanisms to prevent pooling of their blood (and its subsequent raising or lowering of blood pressure) when held in a vertical position. For example, when held vertically by the head only, such a snake experiences a drop in blood pressure to the brain and a pooling of blood in its anterior body.(The opposite obviously occurs when held by the tail) In more heavy bodied snakes the same effects occur with the internal organs as well. (Hold a heavily gravid Nerodia, and you can feel the mass of young shift depending upon the orientation of the females body) Even terrestrial snakes that do, on occasion, climb usually don't do so vertically. Typically they climb at less than a 45 degree angle from horizontal. Tree snakes have a variety of mechanisms to combat these problems ("check" valves in their circulatory systems, tight skin, posteriorly located hearts, etc).
Consider this; if someone were to restrain YOU, that alone would be disconcerting. Now consider how much more distressing it would be to be restrained by your feet upside down in a vertical position!
Holding a snake in this way is no less inhumane than carrying your dog around by its rear legs.

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