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WOAI (San Antonio, Texas) 16 June 06 Family Ordered to Get Rid of 20-Foot Python
How'd you like it if the city suddenly ordered you to get rid of your beloved pet? Especially if he's been with you nearly 30 years. News 4 WOAI's Natalie Tejeda shows how one family's going to great lengths to save their pet.
Stored inside a great dane carrier is Carl Schweickardt's best friend.
"We've had him for nearly 30 years," says Carl Schweikardt, Snooky's owner. "I haven't had my kids that long."
Snooky is your friendly neighborhood python. When you hear the word python you might think, 'So what, it's just a snake.' But snooky here is no ordinary snake.
"I think he's a little over 20 feet long," adds Carl. "I know he weighs about 200 pounds."
Unfortunately, that makes him a fugitive within San Antonio city limits.
"According to the city ordinance, any snake, non-poisonous snake, over 3 feet long is prohibited," says Ed Wright, with Animal Control.
For years, Snooky and his human, Carl, have been one of the biggest, no pun intended, crowd pleasers at local high schools
"There's probably been at least 1,000 kids through MacArthur High School that are doing exactly what we're doing now," adds Carl.
Not anymore, an anonymous tip to animal control by a neighbor, a snake snitch, put authorities hot on his tail.
"That's the end with the teeth on it, but trust me this end is far more dangerous," says Carl. Why? "He poops."
Snooky's now on the run... or should we say slither.
"I'm having to stash him at friends' houses that are knowledgeable enough to take care of him properly until we can figure out either some way around the ordinance," says Wendy, Carl's daughter.
"Why would I want to get rid of him," says Carl. "I've had him for almost 30 years and he's like part of the family. I've had my wife for over 30 years. I don't plan on getting rid of her either.
Carl claims Snooky was an anniversary present from his wife and has never had any problems with the snake before. Snooky's now living at a house outside the city limits.
Family Ordered to Get Rid of 20-Foot Python

The San Antonio City Code does not prohibit snakes over three feet in length. The animal control officer involved misinterpreted the ordinance. The ordinance requires snakes over three feet in length to be securely housed , not openly brought into public, be treated humanely etc. I was on a citizen's advisory committee when the ordinance was passed dropping a previous ban on "all constrictors" whatever that was supposed to mean. The problem here is that a neighbor complained and San Antonio Animal Control over reacted. This unfortunate situation highlights the uninformed fear people have of snakes. I am concerned that this matter may cause the City to once again ban certain non-venemous species. The behavior of the city animal control officer in this matter has been particularly bad. The Code is very clear that non-venemous snakes over three feet are permitted without permit subject to the housing and care restrictions contained in the code. I am an attorney by profession and while I do not take reptile related cases I did contact the city attorney about the matter. Hopefully animal control will permit the family to have their Retic back but be assured that the media involvement will not help.