Quote:
Originally Posted by Auntie Crazy
I have bred ('though I wouldn't today), raised, rescued and rehomed snakes from little bitty corn snakes right up to large pythons (part of the reason my family dubbed me "Auntie Crazy"); I would not dance with one, nor would I enjoy watching a show that included one.
Brea, we've talked about our mutual love of animals, so I'm sure you know that reptiles aren't capable of affection. They can become accustomed to certain environments and events, but there's not really any enjoyment factor involved. For me, that nixes performances that use snakes because, in my mind, that's exactly what it would be.... "using" the animal for whatever wow factor was possible.
I dislike other performances that involve exotic animals for the same reason. Zoos, too, for that matter.
In fact, if we got right down to it, I'd ban the sale of reptiles, other exotics, and avians completely, but that's a whole 'nother topic. 
A.C. |
I think I must be your niece because I'm also a crazy animal welfare girl! I agree 100% with banning the sale of exotics....hopefully that bill banning the sale of some parrots will pass in PA.... but back on subject.....
To me it also kind of seems like animal exploitation. I know you would never intentionally do that, but I just feel uneasy with the whole concept of using animals in gigs. It blurs the boundaries of what's acceptable to do with animals and what's not.
Plus, disease is a huge issue. Most reptiles, including snakes, carry salmonella (and giardia and coccidia, to name a couple others). Dancing with one could possibly stress it out, compromising its immune system and causing it to shed more salmonella. Freaked out snakes will also poop on you, and there's lots of fun little bacteria in poop.