Photo: Tambako the Jaguar/Flickr
Darnell did not have a permit for his pet python as dictated by Florida law for all pets classified as "Reptiles of Concern" by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), nor was the pet housed under lock-and-key conditions as required. The necessary permit entails an annual $100 fee and an application that demonstrates the applicant understands the requirements for care of a Reptile of Concern. Darnell may face charges for child endangerment as well as FWC violations.
The tragedy has highlighted debate in Florida over exotic-pet regulation, and concerns regarding pythons in the wild. Not native to the area, pythons have multiplied by the thousands after being introduced to the Florida wilderness either through accidental escape, or by pet owners who set free their pythons after becoming unable to care for them.
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There was no need in this innocent child having to die--The ignorance of yet another adult has resulted in this child's death-Why in the hell people have snakes and other exotic pets baffles me-I have yet seen a snake that gives a damn about it's owner or can give any type of affection--If you are a type person that has a fetish about snakes or other exotic pet's then go to a zoo --I can't imagine what this poor child endured while being suffocated by this snake--I hope this man is prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law-It will not bring back that poor child but hopefully it will start setting an example for others --
I agree 100%! But I also blame the laws that allow people to have exotic pets period! Whether it's a python, a cheetah, a tiger, I don't care. They are wild animals and can not be expected to be totally domesticated!
People own snakes because they are cool and fun to hold, And saying i have a big ass snake is pretty cool to. He had no say what the snake did, i think the charges are a little much because he has to be in jail for what his snake did, at least he tryed to kill it. It is beyond tradgic that the kid had to die, but the father had nothing to do with it. I meen amagin your dog biting your kids face off and killing him and finding him dead in the living room and then sentenced for murder, (sorry about the spelling its summer and i am 13) so be a little more understanding to this guy, i have a 7 foot long boa consticter and i always i meen always clip the clips closed because it could eat my dogs.
This is a sad story, but when you buy a snake like a python or many others, you have to keep in mind that these animals are from the wild. An injury can occur anytime because if you are small like that baby, they think it is prey but they usually don't attack bigger people. I think that the owner should be fined and possibly never able to have another dangerous snake again. I think being put in jail wouldn't be the right choice because he didn't kill his girlfriend's baby the snake did.
Anyone defending this man's behavior needs to read the story again. He disobeyed the law. No permit means no official keeping track of the safety of the snake or the child. He decided the law didn't apply to him, and as a DIRECT RESULT a child was killed. Maybe the snake was not fed well enough. Obviously it was not housed securely. There is no defense for this egotistical jerk. Laws are there for a reason. Think before aquiring any pet.
as a large breed snake owner myself i even agree with you, he should be put through the wash. at the same time though, what the hell were you thinking owning an 8 ft snake with a 2 year old. get a puppy. and that's for anyone, i don't have kids, so i make the choice to own large snakes, if they get out and bite me, it's on me. but if one day i decided to start a family, it would be bye bye snakes. i agree with the penalties people face, as well as the fee. i love my snakes, but i don't own any R.O.C. if the snake you own, sees your child as a snack, get rid of the snake. simple. but stupid people make it hard for true reptile loves, like myself, to own them. if you don't know enough about an animal, don't get it. now, burn this man!
I PERSONALLY AM FED UP WITH INNOCENT CHILDREN FALLING VICTIM TO THE CARELESNESS AND STUPIDTY OF SO CALLED ADULTS.MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO THE FAMILY.MAY GOD COMFORT THEM AND GIVE THEM PEACE.
that was a total acident mabe god wanted that child with him i think having a pet python is cool so eat my little butt dust
well i thank it was an acident!!! becuzz some 1 should have been watchin that child. a two year old shouldnt bee around an animal like that any ways!
it was an acident BUT on the other hand some 1 should have been watchin the poor kid and pluss what is an TWO YEAR OLD child doin around a big animal like that any way? i mean come naw a lil old kid a big snake DUHH!!!!!!!!!
an accident is when a meteor falls from the sky on your dumbass Rylee, this was totally preventable, much like yourself probably due to incessant inbreeding.
Hey, it's just a kid right? They can always make another one....Just don't hurt the poor little snake!!! I believe the moron who didn't secure it and went without permits and didn't seem to care if the awful thing got out needs a nice BIG fine and community service. Why not prevent the snakie from eating for a while then let it sleep with the owner....It could probably only wolf down an arm or leg, but that's surviveable...Read the 'net stories about the iditos who turn their unwanted snakes and other reptiles loose into the swamps to screw up the naturnal animal life. The photo of the HUGE snake that injested the croc/gator then ruptured with it half digested is disgusting, but I don't doubt some sick-o's will get off on it.
i own a ball python and it hasnt ever tryed to strike at me. it has tryed to strike others but never me so thats just to show that it does care for its owner! its an animal like any other. just because it looks different doesnt make it different. people can have a freaking average dog and the dog could have a million times the greater chance of killing the baby. think before you people speak.
I don't agree because if your snake is striking at other people that your snake has some problems!
This is insane! You should not have a snake and a two year old in the same house. Period! Snakes are okay if and only if the are under one foot long. Seriously anything that much bigger is a risk to you and anyone around the area! Pythons are known to be evil and nasty creatures. That more two year old had to suffer becuase of some dumb adult! NOT only should he be fined but be out on trial for man slaugter. My father is a lawyer if a case like this would have been brought up he would be in jail for the max penilty! God bless the childs family!
poor snake,the child was dead. they should put the man in jail for trying to kill the snake.
why would anyone want to keep a snake in the house with a small child anyway?
I agree!
I think that it was the owner's fault because they could have done something before it struck!
i agree!!!!!!!