What do you think?

[Blanche]

We have an applicant for a pug that owns several constrictors--as in snakes that constrict. He assures us that they are kept in a locked cage and are only let out once a week to feed (not sure what that means exactly--i.e. do they roam the house while feeding, etc). He has several kids --all 10 yrs of age and up who handle the snakes and let them in and out of the cage, but he further assures us that they are very responsible about the snakes.

So my question is--and remember, I like snakes and had a boa when I was younger--would you deny this app on the basis of constrictor ownership?

[Pugpillow]

In a heartbeat!

[Cookie]

I think I'd investigate more before making a decision. I wouldn't say no just because they have the constrictors. Ask a bunch of questions...etc.

[Blanche]

Pretty much where I'm at on this one, Hilary. A constrictor constricts and it wouldn't take much to kill a pug or seriously maim one. Plus, they may not be poisonous, but they have a vicious bite (and I know this because I've been bitten by more than one constrictor in my life).

Cookie--my concern and the concern of the foster parent is how safe will the dog be and how secure is the snake--really. I'm not anti-snake--I've had a few over the years. BUT I'm not sure I would adopt to someone with a constrictor.

[tall grass pugs]

Go back over the applicant's statement that they let the snakes out to feed, and encourge the kids to be mindful about whether the snake cages are locked and secured. Sounds like a dumb snake owner to me. No kid is 100% mindful of cage security, that's why zoo's don't employ 8 and 12 year old herpetologists. I would deny the application.

[PugHeartsCindy]

I would not adopt to this applicant, I know they state that the children are responsible with the snakes, but we all know children do stupid things at times. The parent cannot be there all the time. Too much risk for the pug.

[Milosmom]

So my question is--and remember, I like snakes and had a boa when I was younger--would you deny this app on the basis of constrictor ownership?

I am on the other side of the fence on the liking snakes part *shudder* as it is.. They scare the living daylights out of me just thinking of them.
That being said, even if I wasn't afraid of them , I would absolutly deny the app.
That may be wrong of me, but I just cannot get past the possiblility (even perhaps a remote one) that one would get out and harm the pug in any way.
Just my .02

[tocents]

I'd deny them in a heartbeat, but that is just me.

[ladiepug]

Have you done a home visit to see how and where the snakes are kept? I have a friend who is a herpie and he has a lot, but he is very mindful of how they are kept. I think I would probably say no, but maybe do a homecheck to be sure. Tough one though....

[Pugsaunt]

The research is starting to be pretty clear that 10 and 12 year olds do not have the brain connections between cause and effect completely formed yet. Were it not for confidentiality, I could tell you some hair-raising horror stories about children that age left in charge of younger children - and it is legal in Nevada if the caregiving child is over 10. Nothing against snakes, but I just wouldn't feel safe in putting a pug in that environment. I would deny the application too.