A "devenomised" snake is a venomous snake that has undergone a surgical procedure to remove or inhibit its production of venom. This procedure has been used for venomous snakes kept as pets or used in public demonstrations in order to remove the risk of injury or death when handled. The removal of venom glands or fangs of exhibited animals may be by surgery or simple mutilation; some or all of these procedures have been considered illegal and unethical.[1] Removal of fangs is uncommon, as snakes frequently regenerate teeth, and the more invasive procedure of removing the underlying maxillary bone would be fatal. Most venomoid procedures consist of either removing the venom gland itself, or severing the duct between the gland and the fang. However, the duct and gland have been known to regenerate, and supposedly "safe" snakes have killed mice and successfully envenomated humans.[2]

Advocates of this procedure state that it is done for safety reasons and have published methods for this surgery.[3][4] However, this procedure is highly controversial among herpetologists,[5] and is considered animal cruelty by many experts on venomous snakes, particularly in reference to the procedure being performed by unlicensed hobbyists with inadequate analgesia.[2][6] For instance, a veterinarian review on reptile surgery published in 2006 stated that "such practices should be discouraged" due to both ethical and animal welfare concerns.[7]

Legality in Australia

Legal questions have been raised about amateur venomoid surgeries in Australia. The Australian 1986 Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act states that animals must be anesthetized for the duration of an operation.[8] In 2007, the Victoria state government amended the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 to ban the removal of venom glands from snakes unless performed for a therapeutic reason by a registered veterinarian.[9] In addition, in a case involving the reptile showman and self-styled herpetologist Raymond Hoser, a 2008 tribunal ruled that venomoid snakes cannot be handled by members of the public in Victoria, due to the risk of the venom glands regrowing.[10]

See also

References

  1. ^ Jeff Miller Venomoids: An Overview The Southeastern Hot Herp Society March 29, 2001
  2. ^ a b Venomoid FAQ on snakegetters.com. Accessed Oct 11th 2008.
  3. ^ Hoser, R. (2004). "Surgical removal of Venom glands in Australian Elapids-The creation of Venomoids". Herptile. 29 (1): 37–40.
  4. ^ R. Hoser Surgical Removal of Venom Glands in Australian Elapid Snakes. The creation of venomoids. Accessed Oct. 11th 2008.
  5. ^ Davenport, Clay. "Hybrids and Venomoids And Other Controversial Topics". The last word. Clay Davenport Captive Bred Reptiles. Retrieved 2008-10-16.
  6. ^ Veterinary Ethics: What About Venomoids? Venomous Snake Husbandry Basics: Veterinary Care Snakegetters.com, Accessed 15 October 2008
  7. ^ Boyer TH (May 2006). "Common procedures with venomous reptiles". The Veterinary Clinics of North America. Exotic Animal Practice. 9 (2): 269–85, vi. doi:10.1016/j.cvex.2006.03.006. PMID 16759947.
  8. ^ "Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 – Sect 36". Victorian Consolidated Legislation. AustLII. Retrieved 2008-10-16.
  9. ^ "Hoser v Department of Sustainability & Environment (Occupational and Business Regulation) [2008] VCAT 2035 (30 September 2008)". Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal Decisions. AustLII. Retrieved 2008-10-16.
  10. ^ Mex Cooper 'De-venomised' snakes ruled dangerous The Age October 15, 2008
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