KQTV (St Joseph, Missouri) 06 April 07 A snake debate almost forces a Maysville family out of their home
Their son relies on the snake for therapy to improve his senses but a last minute call from the city attorney changed everything. Five-year-old Dalton Rounds is autistic and to him Sheera the snake isn`t just a pet, she`s part of his therapy. It helps him learn to concentrate and develops Dalton`s sense of touch.
"The feel of it`s skin, when she`s dry, when she`s moist," Matthew Rounds, Dalton`s father, said. "You have to concentrate on what your doing to keep reacting with the animal."
A Maysville city ordinance almost made the Rounds choose between moving out of HUD housing or getting rid of Sheera. The ordinance bans "deadly, dangerous or poisonous reptiles."
Dalton`s dad said the jungle carpet python will only grow six more inches and is just a few inches around. He went to a city council meeting to plea for the python and he brought along a doctor`s note that says Sheera is a service animal.
"I tried to give them literature, I tried to show the pictures of what it was but nobody wanted to hear that."
When KQ2 called the city to ask for an interview they told KQ2 the city attorney decided not to prosecute in this case because the python is dangerous.
"They didn`t want the bad publicity I believe that`s the only reason they changed their mind," Matthew said.
No matter the reason for the change of heart Matthew is happy Sheera can stay.
"He`s only been walking and talking for a little over a year," Matthew said. "He doesn`t understand things. It would have crushed him and set him back it would have took us several more months to get him back up to where he is now.
Dalton used to be scared to touch almost anything and now he handles an animal that gives some the shivers.
"This isn`t the first time this came up and I`m pretty sure it won`t be the last," Matthew said.
The ACLU said a doctor`s note would protect the Rounds under the fair housing act as long as the family didn`t modify the apartment itself to care for the animal.
A snake debate almost forces a Maysville family out of their home