BLACKPOOL GAZETTE (UK) 07 July 08 Man's bid to keep deadly snakes at Blackpool home (Shelagh Parkinson)
Meet the reptile enthusiast who is hoping to become the first private collector in Blackpool to be allowed to keep venomous snakes.
Darren Finnerty has applied for a licence under the Dangerous Wild Animals Act so that he can add even more exotic species to his personal menagerie.
He has converted the garage of his Anchorsholme home into a snake house.
But the 34-year-old father of three, says he has taken every precaution possible to ensure none of his slithery companions will make a break for freedom.
In order to comply with the conditions of the licence he has assured council chiefs each snake tank will be locked, and stored in a double-locked safe room with inner and outer doors.
Adrenaline supplies are to hand, along with a first-aid kit and emergency hospital numbers should one of the snakes administer a bite.
However Mr Finnerty, who has kept reptiles for 18 years, says his snakes will not be of the most deadly variety.
He said: "They will be at the first level for which you need a certificate. Their bite is the type which attacks the blood, but wouldn't lead to cardiac arrest or be life-threatening.
"I want to keep venomous snakes as a natural progression of my hobby. It's their behaviour and intelligence I am interested in. I've taken every precaution to ensure it is safe.
"But to put it in perspective, there are over 3,000 dog bites a year but a member of the public has never been attacked by a snake owned by someone who holds the DWA licence.
"My neighbour is fine with it. She has seen how much time and effort I have put into the place."
Blackpool Council's Public Protection sub-committee will decide on Thursday whether to grant Mr Finnerty a licence.
Council vet, Michael Fielding, has inspected the proposed premises and advised of a number of safety precautions which must be conditions of the licence.
These include a warning sign that "entry to the building should not be attempted except under supervision by an experienced snake handler."
Reptile expert Mark Whitworth, of The Reptile Room in Anchorsholme Lane East, Cleveleys, where Darren also works, said: "Darren has a lot of experience and is in charge of all the snakes in my shop, some of which are worth between £4,000 and £5,000.
"Snakes and reptiles are becoming increasingly popular pets because they fit in so well with modern lifestyles."
Man's bid to keep deadly snakes at Blackpool home