How is breeding boas (or any reptile species) any different than breeding dogs; cats; etc?



Many of us are in this hobby for the sheer excitement of "baby day." How is that different than any other animal breeder? It is solely the "I'm scared" or "I hate snakes" attitude. Its the ignorant and the uneducated that in most dealings I've had feel this way.



One would have to believe there are far more stray dogs and cats, which can also be just as dangerous and even deadly, in Florida than the pythons that Washington is in such an uproar about. In no way would I ever condone releasing any foreign species into the public, but ultimately as we all know, the snakes aren't the problem. Its the irresponsible pet stores that sell the 18" python for $150 to the irresponsible, immature, degenerate that will in 2-3 years release the snake into the wild.



We've all seen the statistics for human related python deaths. There is no evidence that a boa has been responsible for any deaths in the U.S. I don't have that report handy, but I believe it was 12 deaths in about 15 years.



Dogs on the other hand. Understandably higher in population, dogs are responsible for far more deaths and injury than pythons or boas. Here is a list of reported dog attacks resulting in injury, death, and mauling (http://www.dogbitelaw.com/Dog Attacks 1982 to 2006 Clifton.pdf). The 264 deaths over a 24 year span is far greater than that of constrictor related deaths. Even a Jack Russell and a Dauchsund are on the list. A weiner dog? Come on!



All I'm trying to say is that there are far bigger issues for our Government to cry over. I don't want my dog to be taken away either. I've made my calls, sent my letters and emails. I hope everyone that hasn't does now.

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