I just wanted to let those concerned know my opinions;

I am a Washington state resident. I have been keeping large snakes since I moved to the state 10 years ago. In that time I have learned a lot. One of the major things I have learned is the dangers associated with pets.

There is a danger with all pets, but with my snakes the danger is one of a private nature versus a public one. To me a public danger is one in which my actions have direct effect on those who are unaware of what I am doing. This danger would extend beyond the walls of my home and reach into the lives of others. A private danger is one that is within the walls of my home and is limited to those who choose to be in the house with my actions. This is called acceptable risk. It is every person's duty to decide what is an acceptable risk for themselves. A similar decision is made by each of us every time we get in a car or use power tools.

The reason I feel my keeping snakes is a private danger is supported statistically. I can find no record of injury caused by snakes being inflicted on the general public. There have been cases of snake caused injuries. This I cannot deny. However these injuries were limited to within the home of the offending animal. That is hardly grounds for deeming a public danger. There are many more cases of dog and cat related injuries or death within the home. In fact just last year a pair of dogs chased down a child running in a park and mauled the youth. A snake will never chase a child down in a park. The largest danger of an escaped snake is sensationalism. Here in the NW the climate is not conducive to tropical snake survival. There is very little chance of a giant snake going into predatory mode. At local temps the snake would just be in search of warmer hiding spots.

I am sympathetic to the public fears of snakes. That is why I use the AFH (American Federation Of Herpetologist) guidelines for the safe keeping and handling of giant snakes. http://www.tinygiants.com/caresheets/handling.htm this is a link to a copy of those guidelines from a website. I do not think it is prudent to base state legislation on public fears, myth, and misconception. The results of this law will affect many animals within statelines.

Your decisions will have a tremendous impact on my pursuit of happiness. I have dedicated my adult life to the safe keeping and raising of these beautiful but misunderstood animals. My vacations often include trips to zoos or other keeper’s facilities. I tell you this to put into perspective my passion. You see I do not have a dog or cat as a pet. I have snakes, lizards, monitors, and a tortoise. I share this passion with my wife. She is a 1st grade teacher at XXXXX Elementary. In her class she is raising a box turtle. Our love of reptiles was started by my love of snakes. Our snakes are used in classroom demonstrations at her school. There has never been an incident in doing so, and the kids love the experience. Please do not take this joy away from others and us.

Concerned Keepers,
XXXXXXXXXX