The horrifying news this weekend about two young boys killed by a pet python that escaped its enclosure raises many questions.
Foremost among them has to be why and how such a dangerous, exotic and undomesticated creature was ever in such a position to begin with.
Ownership of exotic animals is regulated by a patchwork of regulations across the country. In many places, including B.C., such creatures are banned.
It's not hard to see why. Animals like the African rock python and its ilk are potentially deadly.
They do not make good pets. Most people would not be equipped to control them. Just how and why such an animal was allowed to exist in a retail store is impossible to fathom.
Of course, just because certain exotic creatures are banned in many jurisdictions doesn't mean they don't exist there.
Some animals live a long time, while bans are relatively recent. And almost anything is available online.
Some people are attracted to the idea of a dangerous and uncommon animal - in the same way some social misfits like to channel their attitudes through ownership of vicious dogs.
Nobody has the right, however, to endanger others - or their environment.
Exotics of many types fall into those categories. Those who have them should be subject to stringent controls - and inspections.
It doesn't take much thought to figure out that animals which must be kept behind double-locked doors don't belong in a pet store or a private home - or anywhere else remotely similar.
