Reptile & Amphibian Forums

THE ENQUIRER (Cinnicinnati, Ohio) 22 August 07 Boy kills snake on festival display (Rachel Richardson)
Scott Braunstein is used to the fearful reaction his large snakes and reptiles elicit as he makes educational presentations at local festivals, libraries and schools.
But he was unprepared for the violent actions of a boy at the St. Bernadette Festival in Pierce Township on Sunday.
According to the snake handler, the boy approached Popcorn, a 10-foot, non-poisonous Albino Burmese Python, and told Braunstein he hated snakes.
“The next thing I know … the kid raises his leg and stomps down on the snake’s head,” said Braunstein. “The snake started convulsing.”
Braunstein said he saw a man he believed to be the boy’s father grab the child, and heard him say “This is why I don’t take you anywhere,” before disappearing into the crowd.
Braunstein said he tended to the snake rather than pursuing the pair.
Popcorn died from the blow, which severed its spine at the base of its skull, he said.
“I’ve never, never had anything like that happen,” said Braunstein, who operates House of Reptiles, an educational facility based in Dry Ridge, Ky.
A former Pizza Hut manager, Braunstein turned his love of reptiles into a full-time job. His collection includes alligators, lizards, spiders and frogs. For two years, Braunstein’s reptiles have been featured in a festival petting zoo operated by Amelia-based All Creatures Animal Hospital.
“Scott’s business is to educate people about reptiles, and his goal is for people to learn to appreciate rather than fear the reptiles that share this planet with us,” said hospital founder Dr. Dan Meakin.
Braunstein and Meakin said they are especially concerned by a child attacking the snake.
“We need to educate the public more and more so they understand these animals are not evil,” Braunstein said.
For more information on reptiles, visit www.houseofreptiles.150m.com or the Greater Cincinnati Herpetological Society at www.cincyherps.com.
Boy kills snake on festival display

I saw this in the Ball forum. If that'd been my boy I woulda beat him 'ugly'. Woulda pressed charges too.

Quig
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Don't interupt me when I'm talkin' to myself

That kid would of never walked again if I had been there.

This is one of the major reasons why we don't allow any of our large constrictors to be on the floor with the public - too many whackos out there and too easy for someone to accidentally or purposefully step on their head. Instead, when we have a large constrictor at a big show or event, they are placed on a table where they are less likely to be hurt. But, its something we are always aware of and have had some close "ugly" encounters. If parents have kids who are predisposed to bad behavior (that usually equates to kids being "time out" kids instead of using proper "butt whoopin'" techniques that are tried and proven) they need to keep a better eye on them. It's a very sad and unfortunate situation.

Rob Carmichael, Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center

>>That kid would of never walked again if I had been there.
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Rob Carmichael, Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center at Elawa Farm
Lake Forest, IL

(Carmichael) - "If parents have kids who are predisposed to bad behavior (that usually equates to kids being "time out" kids instead of using proper "butt whoopin'" techniques that are tried and proven) they need to keep a better eye on them. It's a very sad and unfortunate situation."

You nailed it, Rob. If the parent had proper control of the child and regularly used proper punishment, the child would've/should've been punished right then & there.

Later!
HH
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Due to political correctness run amuck,
this ol' hillbilly is now referred to as an:
Appalachian American

I love this country but cannot understand why we have allowed ourselves to get to the point where "Proper punishment (not abuse)" will land you in jail. It's almost as if the courts and liberals are trying to raise unruly, inconsiderate, unbalanced adults.

Actually I think we are secretly being taken over by an un-named entity right in front of our face. The next generation will become the majority, then turn inside out and the real beings will be illuminated. Next their going to make us walk around without clothing and where buckets on our heads.
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DZ

"People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." -- George Orwell

Forget the "butt whupin", that kid needs his throat cut.

My wife works in special education and her principle asked me to bring Moses in for a visit. We saw maybe 20 classes and the ONLY class with an issue was my wife's class. She was helping me and her assistants were tending to the kids. One of the boys I'll call Jack Man went to stomp Moses but my wife and I were both watching very closely. As I started to pull Moses away she pushed Jack Man back knocking him down and he cried. I felt bad for the kid because in his little mind he didn't know any better (don't forget, special ed). This kid that states "I don't like snakes" then stomps one, I can't believe no-one in the crowd did nothing to ID or detain the boy. I agree, there needs to be a father-son a-- whoopin. I guess if you think about it, they're already being punished with the way their lives have turned out. Not very consoling for the snake owner but what goes around comes around.
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DZ

"People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." -- George Orwell

So did anything happen to this little bastard?

Probably not. Honestly the kid needs a beating. His dad does as well.

So sad. That would have been worse say he chased after the kid and then someone stole his unattended animals. If it were me, I would have sprinted and grabbed the kid. At least have him pay for it. Thats animal cruality. I mean look at Vick in the news with dog fighting. But the owner was stupid for not keeping a large snake away to prevent what happened.

The boys parents can`t affored a child psychologist.

> > > The boys parents can`t affored a child psychologist.

Maybe not.
As this child's incidents progress, which I guarantee you they will based on this article, the State will afford him one. But at what cost? The cost of a human life?

The boy doesn't need a psychologist at the moment, he needs a belt.

Later!
HH
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Due to political correctness run amuck,
this ol' hillbilly is now referred to as an:
Appalachian American

Agreed.

Quig
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Don't interupt me when I'm talkin' to myself