Recently authorities removed an 18 foot long, 30 inches around, 400+ pounds python from the backyard of a home in Florida. Now the snake didn’t slither up to someone’s property and scare the heck out of them. No. This was someone’s pet snake that was housed out back in a chain link cage. The giant python was being feed rabbits  - seven rabbits was a common meal.

According to the caretaker the snake is docile, but has escaped its cage before.  With 400 pounds of muscle that doesn’t come as a real surprise. Thank goodness this pet python did not harm anyone like the pet python in a nearby county. That pet killed a two year old little girl.  With the removal of this pet, I know the neighbors are breathing a little easier tonight.

Some may think the irresponsible behavior was to get a snake as a pet in the first place. However, the real irresponsible behavior was acting on the belief that the snake was not a predatory animal. Every animal who has their needs met (food, comfortable shelter, etc.) and used to human contact may appear to us as a docile pet.  Many owners of exotic or naturally aggressive pets also get lulled into a false sense of authority. They believe they have complete control over their pet’s behavioral instincts. At some point, they forget to respect the power of the animal and don’t take the necessary safety precautions.

I read that a woman was found dead in her home along with her husband. They were an elderly couple and while this is sad, the monkey that they found next to her body must be breathing a sigh of relief. The police don’t suspect him of any foul play or…wait for it….(I’m sorry in advance, but I have to say it)…“monkey business”.

Now if you’re like me you’re probably wondering why they had a monkey. Well, they didn’t have a monkey, they had four. Not to mention a multitude of dogs and cats and birds. The home had previously been cited by their city for code violations. At the time of their death, hazmat uniforms had to be used when entering the home.

It would seem that this couple needed therapy. However, I realize that some would argue that point. Owning monkeys and receiving code violations for your home, doesn't necessarily translate into mental instablity. Although, if they did need therapy, the question that I'm getting to is -who should have made sure they got it? Should family members be held responsible on some level for not elevating this issue and forcing the couple to be evaluated? Should the neighbors kept the pressure on them with so many complaints that the legal system would take over? Should the law have been more proactive when initially learning of the issue? Then again, they may have died very happy. Maybe that's a little more important. Maybe.