Here is another perspective. I love big cats, they are one of the most beautiful predators in the wild, but I would rather see it in its "true" form in the wild than declawed, defanged, and rendered into some "safe" housecat that I can keep chained or enclosed in a cage, how to keep it from breaking your neck with a "playful" swipe, well thats another risk.
The point is this, venomous reptiles were made that way for a reason, aside from the digestive issues that could arise, it is the way they are meant to be. A venomoid snake may not inject venom but it could still cause a nasty secondary infection through its bite, or how about this the fang(s) puncture an artery (on a small child, well it would not be pretty).
Without going into the whole debate, I would offer this; Mentor with an institution in your area that keeps venomous snakes, offer to clean cages, prep food, whatever it takes as a volunteer, acquire a venomous snake when you feel "qualified" to maintain it safely, treat it like a nuclear bomb that must not be allowed to detonate or be detonated by ANYONE in your home, do not tell everyone on gods green earth that you keep venomous snakes (criminals might target you, and if they get nailed in the process YOU are liable.) Even a random burglar can sue you for damages if they get bit by your snake while they are breaking into your house, no ifs, ands, buts, or maybes.
Lastly, even venomoids are regulated, just because its been rendered "harmless" does not mean its a garter snake. If it is covered by law or banned in your area then you cannot have one at all void or no.
I am not trying to lecture you, rather I feel that as an "old timer" I can impart some wisdom that is sorely lacking or not made available to the newer generation of people who have the same interest we all had when we started back in year 1 .
It is different now because of the numbers of people involved, number of species available, consequently the number of accidents increased causing widespread clamping down on the whole business of keeping reptiles of any kind. Unless an educated, mature, and dedicated force stands up against the current trend, zoos and "professional" institutions will be the ONLY places to see venomous reptiles in the not too distant future.
There is nothing wrong with asking questions, the only stupid one is the one that doesnt get asked.
Good luck if you truly love venomous snakes show them the respect they deserve and keep them intact.
Cheers
Lateralis

[ Reply To This Message ] [ Subscribe to this Thread ] [ Show Entire Thread ]