This is sick! Python breeder arrested in California

[Mikoh4792]

I feel terrible for those animals, and this is another news story that makes us look bad.

California Python Breeder Arrested After 100s of Dead Pythons Found in Home

[Terranaut]

Omfg!!! People just suck.

[Shann]

I'm not justifying what he did (because this is truly HORRIBLE), but it seems like he was a good guy who snapped at the death of his mother. I checked out some of his posts on another forum and he had some pretty amazing animals that all looked like they were in great shape. In the comments sections on some of the articles out there I see lots of posts from families of his former students saying that he was a really great teacher, and introduced many kids to animals. Not saying that this is ok. It makes me very sad, in fact. And very worried about what sort of impact this will have on the reptile community. I think he was just like a lot of us, but grief can have horrible effects on people, and unfortunately it's the animals that suffered because of it.

[Mikoh4792]

Originally Posted by Shann

I'm not justifying what he did (because this is truly HORRIBLE), but it seems like he was a good guy who snapped at the death of his mother. I checked out some of his posts on another forum and he had some pretty amazing animals that all looked like they were in great shape. In the comments sections on some of the articles out there I see lots of posts from families of his former students saying that he was a really great teacher, and introduced many kids to animals. Not saying that this is ok. It makes me very sad, in fact. And very worried about what sort of impact this will have on the reptile community. I think he was just like a lot of us, but grief can have horrible effects on people, and unfortunately it's the animals that suffered because of it.

Yes, no one is going to say this is okay. But reading your post I guess it makes sense that going through a tragedy or traumatic experience might have caused him to lose sight of his snakes.... But still it would have made more sense for him to just sell everything off if he couldn't care for them.

[Shann]

Originally Posted by Mikoh4792

Yes, no one is going to say this is okay. But reading your post I guess it makes sense that going through a tragedy or traumatic experience might have caused him to lose sight of his snakes.... But still it would have made more sense for him to just sell everything off if he couldn't care for them.

I agree, sadly in these situations a lot of people are incapable of thinking logically. I just wish someone had been able to intervene before it got this bad. I wonder just how many animals died and are going to die as a result. It makes me glad that they are looking into adopting these snakes out though. A lot of times they just euthanize them all. As bad as this situation is, the media is actually presenting it in a pretty fair way, compared to how they usually handle snake stories. A lot of the articles have mentioned what good pets snakes can make, and that ball pythons are small and docile.

Anyways, this guy had a decent presence online until about a year ago. Every time someone just stops posting on forums like this, I always wonder what will happen to them.

[LiL Zap]

I'm sorry but there's no excuse for animal cruelty. I totally understand that people lose loved ones but that doesn't justify the fact that he neglected these animals.

[Shann]

I wasn't saying it was an excuse. Just saying that this could be any one of us. This guy was a part of the online community. And I think as a community we should try and look out for each other.

[LiL Zap]

Originally Posted by Shann

I wasn't saying it was an excuse. Just saying that this could be any one of us. This guy was a part of the online community. And I think as a community we should try and look out for each other.

Wait...this forum?

[Shann]

No, not this one, at least not that I know of, but I'm newer over here. Bp.net, and maybe others. But he was a very regular poster with some pretty great threads until a year ago.

[Sharlynn93]

So sad...I know how it is to lose someone close and totally shut down...it is unfortunate that these snakes suffered the consequences...but thank goodness it wasn't his children...I know my pets are my children too, and no matter how sick or tired I am, I make sure all are fed, taken care of, etc...but depression is something I have struggled with since childhood...it can really take a toll on a person...

[Snakefood]

I know everyone is different, but I tend to descend into my animals in times of despair. they are my comfort. They probably get even MORE attention when I am going through rough times.

[Sharlynn93]

I am the same...when my gram passed I cuddled with my dog for days...he was my comfort...even now I retreat to my snake room a lot...play w my rats, or the snakes... (not without washing up in between though!!! Lol)

[CosmicOwl]

Stories like this make me hesitant to ever breed. It sounds like a cop out, but sometimes things get out of control and you're sitting around wondering where a year went. Nobody is immune to being overwhelmed.

[formica]

grief can do terrible things to a person, this doesn't even come close to how messed up things can get for people, but its a tragedy non the less.

I hope that he will get support, rather than criminal repercussions. but I guess that depends on the local justice departments

[Terranaut]

The only excuse would be if the owner himself died and left a collection unattended.