PR: Suspicious Python Release/ $18K Reward


Suspicious Python Release in Tampa; $18K Reward Offered


WILMINGTON, N.C., Dec. 15 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In Florida last week the AP reported a 12-foot long Burmese python was captured over the weekend of December 5th in Port Tampa by authorities. Vernon Yates of Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation in Seminole, says the snake's demeanor and condition indicate it is a pet that escaped or was released. The release occurred just days before a critical vote in the US Senate on whether to ban pythons in the United States. The bill being considered is S. 373 aka 'The Python Ban' Sponsored by Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL). If passed the bill would add many pythons and boas to the Injurious Wildlife list of the Lacey Act stopping the import, export and interstate transport of these animals. S. 373 is supported by the Humane Society of the United States, the largest animal rights group in the US that advocates for ending the trade in all captive bred reptiles.

Reptile industry professional Michael Cole of Tampa is concerned that the timing and circumstances of this python release are "suspicious." Cole commented that, "over the years there have been many suspected manufactured releases of animals at crucial turning points in reptile related legislation." A similar incident was perpetrated in North Carolina in 2008 when an ABC affiliate reported on a hoax involving two Monocled cobras released in Onslow County. WITN News reported that, "[NC wildlife officials] believe the snakes were placed there by the group Animal Protection Institute (API) to raise awareness in making it illegal for people to own exotic animals." In an e-mail to WITN News, API public relations director Zibby Wilder said her organization had nothing to do with the snake release. The API has since changed its name to Born Free USA and has cooperated with the Humane Society of the United States on anti-reptile legislation around the country.

Florida reptile professionals, the reptile industry and the United States Association of Reptile Keepers (USARK) have offered a reward of $18,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone involved with the illegal release of this Burmese python.

Source: United States Association of Reptile Keepers (USARK)
Contact: Andrew Wyatt president@usark.org

I just read it as well. What a crime. I hope if someone intent fully did this they pay.

Bill

I just read it as well. What a crime. I hope if someone intent fully did this they pay.

Bill

:yessir:

Im sure it was it makes news how can you fight that propaganda!!!! anybody who sells a Burmese beware of who you are selling it too. that one guy got caught last year when the guy who sold it to him reconized him on the news!

Sounds like a PETA stunt to me.... those freaking idiots will stop at NOTHING to get this ban through....

Sounds like a PETA stunt to me.... those freaking idiots will stop at NOTHING to get this ban through....

That is what I think as well

No Senator Nelson chucked it out his limo himself i spose.

I don't remember where I saw this, but it was reported she called 911 4-5 times worried she was going to be eaten. The whole time she was in her car with her keys and could have driven away at anytime. :dunno: Sounds like someone was waiting for the cameras to show up.........

I don't remember where I saw this, but it was reported she called 911 4-5 times worried she was going to be eaten. The whole time she was in her car with her keys and could have driven away at anytime. :dunno: Sounds like someone was waiting for the cameras to show up.........

Yep. You got it! Freaking PETA member for sure... too bad the she didnt get out so the snake could eat her! :lmao: But from what I saw it was only a 12' burm... not big enough to eat her ignorant butt....

I'm happy to see how much they were able to scrape together in commitments. I'd have pledged more, but I just don't have it to give right now. I hope they catch the :censor:

18k!!!!...shouldnt that money go towards fighting these bills????? .... I know were tight on the money issue in fighting these bills.....Who ever did this broke the law and with or without a $18K Reward. Just seems like that money would do more good on the bills... like we have been trying to do.

I don't remember where I saw this, but it was reported she called 911 4-5 times worried she was going to be eaten. The whole time she was in her car with her keys and could have driven away at anytime. :dunno: Sounds like someone was waiting for the cameras to show up.........

I agree :cheers:

I don't remember where I saw this, but it was reported she called 911 4-5 times worried she was going to be eaten. The whole time she was in her car with her keys and could have driven away at anytime. :dunno: Sounds like someone was waiting for the cameras to show up.........

That's why it is important this be exposed for what it really is....

Does anyone know the name of the person that called in. Think it's public record? And if they have any ties with someone that wants this bill too pass, some thing with whoever shot the video..... Might be a place to start. And can anyone find the police repor, addresses of there this happened.

It says it was a collaborated effort in the reward.

It would appear that they are doing "OK" on money if they're able to put a reward up.

I hope someone turns someone in.




18k!!!!...shouldnt that money go towards fighting these bills????? .... I know were tight on the money issue in fighting these bills.....Who ever did this broke the law and with or without a $18K Reward. Just seems like that money would do more good on the bills... like we have been trying to do.

It says it was a collaborated effort in the reward.

It would appear that they are doing "OK" on money if they're able to put a reward up.

I hope someone turns someone in.

I don't think it's case of being "ok" on money at all...

I think it's a case of it being so very important, because "we" the industry/hobby keepers need for this to be exposed.... if it gets exposed, it becomes a big story. It becomes much needed and very important ammunition against those that perpetrate these crimes and bills like s373 against all of us.... it shows the level of deceit and how low these people and organizations will stoop to get their way imo.

I don't think it's case of being "ok" on money at all...

I think it's a case of it being so very important, because "we" the industry/hobby keepers need for this to be exposed.... if it gets exposed, it becomes a big story. It becomes much needed and very important ammunition against those that perpetrate these crimes and bills like s373 against all of us.... it shows the level of deceit and how low these people and organizations will stoop to get their way imo.

Well put Scott :cheers:

My criminal justice side coming out......ok lets say some "group" let this guy go, called it in to 911, videoed it and turned the tape in to the media....the crimes for this would be false police report, FL release law crimes with the python, and a possible conspiracy charge and if anyone in the senate had envolvement in the planing of this might get a federal charge..... my audio isnt working, did the video say the womans name?, the police dept.? or the fire dept.? that took the call, should be able to get their report anlong with people that were their. if they have connections to the groups were fighting....we could link them too "those groups", the group also would be charged....theirs gotta be more info out their, 911 always records the calls(in this case 5). The PD and fire would have to file a report on this???? dose anyone live in that area, more pics of the scene would also be helpful, its might be overkill, but YOU CAN get finger prints of snake skin....

I hope that whoever is responsible for the release of this snake is exposed and prosecuted fully.
Is anyone else here noticing that there is a trend where reptiles or some other exotic animal being mysteriously dumped or discovered in public areas coinciding with pending legislation? I would not be surprised if this was another manufactured, staged dumping in order to garner support for HR2811/S373.