PARIS POST-INTELLIGENCER (Tennessee) 15 May 08 Pet boa constrictor ejected from Fish Fry parade (Heather Harris)
To the editor:
This year, my husband and I, along with our three sons, were preparing to go to the Fish Fry parade.
When we approached the parade grounds entrance, we had an unusual encounter with one of Henry County/Paris Police Department’s finest. You see, we had brought along one of our family pets, as we do each year. Our family pet is a 7-foot-long Red Tail Boa Constrictor, named Isabelle.
The officer who actually stopped us and informed us that we could not enter the parade grounds with what we consider our pet was named Andy Bass. We were told that Isabelle would scare people and could likely cause a panic.
We have taken all three of our pet snakes to a lot of public events — parades; reptile expos, there is a great one in Clarksville; and some fairs. We are not complete morons; we do realize some people do not like snakes.
The only thing we have ever tried to do is help to inform some of these folks who have been really misled or just not thought too much about snakes other than they look slimy, they are prone to hiss and bite and are basically a serpent-like creature — therefore devil-like? — and unfriendly.
I’m not saying everyone should go out and buy a pet snake, but I feel that the more you know about something, the better off you are when and if you are ever in a position to deal with, come face to face with or (it) just so happens to be brought up in conversation.
We have some friends who had an article written in this newspaper when they brought two of their pet snakes to the Fish Fry parade. The article commented on exotic pets, and was not in the least bit negative or derogatory towards snakes as pets.
My question is, when did it become a patrolman’s discretion, or opinion, on what animal is dangerous or might cause a panic — might incite a riot? — at a public event?
We were made to leave the parade because of our pet snake by this officer. We had walked by three other officers and spoken to them, and nothing was said until Officer Bass.
Has there been a snake law passed in the last couple of years that we haven’t heard about? Or is Officer Bass making up rules to suit himself?
How many calls does he get from someone who has been attacked by someone’s dog? Or maybe he is chasing Red Tail Boas down the sidewalks of Paris? Yeah, that’s what I thought.
Isabelle had several pictures taken on our walk back to our vehicle, as well as more than a few heated comments on why she wasn’t allowed to attend the parade, like two small dogs we saw that entered with no problems.
She also received a couple of pats and coos from sympathizers. We think she will get over Mr. Bass’ prejudice with time.
Heather Harris, 2785 Buchanan Road, Buchanan
Pet boa constrictor ejected from Fish Fry parade