BBC (London, UK) 21 August 03 Warning over snake 'pictures'
A poster campaign is being launched in Blackpool to dissuade people from having their pictures taken with snakes.
It is part of a crackdown by the town's trading standards department on illegal street traders.
Photographers, who operate on the promenade without licences, drape a large python around the shoulders of customers and charge them to take a picture.
But following an increase in the number of complaints from visitors, council officers are distributing the posters in the hope of stopping people paying the traders.
The notices are written like a hostage note from a Burmese python with the snake pleading against being held captive, being handled roughly and photographed.
Tim Coglan, Blackpool Borough Council's Trading Standards' group leader, said: "We are receiving more and more complaints from the general public concerning the welfare of the snakes used in this trade.
Wider enforcement
"The poster campaign, which has the full support of the RSPCA, is one of a raft of measures currently under way to put an end to the exploitation of snakes as photographers' aids on the promenade."
The initiative is part of a wider enforcement campaign to crackdown on illegal traders in Blackpool.
Since 1 April 2003 there have been 70 reports of illegal street trading which will all be considered for prosecution.
The council says enforcement staff are now out seven days a week tackling the problem.
Warning over snake 'pictures'