An Update on Martin, and his 110 day Snake Sit.. - Page 12

Chris Newman · #**111** (**permalink**) 08-08-2008, 08:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by htf666

You only have to look at the people in power now.I believe Hilary Benn is a member of animal aid. I did not mean they would try for an outright ban straight away but as these groups are against all companion animals I would not trust this goverment as far as I could throw them.(lifelong labour supporter too). If they can start weighing wheelie bins they are capable of anything.Harry

Hillary Benn is not a member of Animal Aid, as far as I am aware. However, his father Tony Benn is patron. Is this a concern, well just look at the recent badger fiasco!

We, exotic keepers, live in difficult time, we also live in a global media world, what happens in one part of the world can very much have implications for others. The Steve Irwin incident is a good example, that had a direct affect here on someone that was applying for a DWAA to keep caiman and had a child in a very negative way.

At the end of the day it is about responsibility, if you believe such actions as this are ‘responsible’ - well I guess there is nothing more to say on the matter.

Azemiops · #**112** (**permalink**) 08-08-2008, 08:29 AM

although i havent read the entire thread, i pretty sure there isnt anyone on here that would deem this responsible, or has said so. The fact of the matter is, if this was happening in the UK,i would be on here agreeing with everyone who has slated him, but its in Africa, where people have to live with this species day in, day out, and public most likely have a very different perception to venomous snakes than the general public over here. Like i said previously, if i was to put on here pictures of some of the snake shows that go on in Asia, would you start personally attacking them, calling them idiots (this bit may be true in some cases lol) and saying they are ruining the UK hobby? Because again, in all the years i have been in the hobby, i have never read in the newspapers, or heard on the radio, that the Government are going to impose a ban on keeping reptiles because they have just seen photos of a malaysian guy kissing a king cobra on the head.

Chris Newman · #**113** (**permalink**) 08-08-2008, 08:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Azemiops

although i havent read the entire thread, i pretty sure there isnt anyone on here that would deem this responsible, or has said so. The fact of the matter is, if this was happening in the UK,i would be on here agreeing with everyone who has slated him, but its in Africa, where people have to live with this species day in, day out, and public most likely have a very different perception to venomous snakes than the general public over here. Like i said previously, if i was to put on here pictures of some of the snake shows that go on in Asia, would you start personally attacking them, calling them idiots (this bit may be true in some cases lol) and saying they are ruining the UK hobby? Because again, in all the years i have been in the hobby, i have never read in the newspapers, or heard on the radio, that the Government are going to impose a ban on keeping reptiles because they have just seen photos of a malaysian guy kissing a king cobra on the head.

Broadly speaking I am not disagreeing with what you are saying, other than not quite certain that some are ‘not’ supportive pf this kind of action. You are right people that live in South Africa do have a very different view of venomous snakes as they live, not necessarily literally, with them day in day out. What concerns me is the ‘copycat’ issue, i.e. some kid taking am adder home to bed with him because he seen this and thought it ‘cool’ – it happens! (kids copying what they have seen). You might call me a boring old fart, which true, - BUT it is exactly the kind of thing that can happen and the implication then for us here can be substantial..

Azemiops · #**114** (**permalink**) 08-08-2008, 09:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris Newman

What concerns me is the ‘copycat’ issue, i.e. some kid taking am adder home to bed with him because he seen this and thought it ‘cool’ – it happens! (kids copying what they have seen). You might call me a boring old fart, which true, - BUT it is exactly the kind of thing that can happen and the implication then for us here can be substantial..

I can totally understand your concern for kids with you being a dad and all, but do you really think that this was on 'Mad Martins' mind when he thought up the idea of doing the 110day sit-in? I cant really imagine him thinking "Hmmm, i really want to do this thing but im concerned that kids over in the UK might try it with some of their native species!". I just think its a bit harsh slating a guy for doing his own thing, in his own country, and for not showing concern on how it might affect people in a different country.

Chris Newman · #**115** (**permalink**) 08-08-2008, 09:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Azemiops

I can totally understand your concern for kids with you being a dad and all, but do you really think that this was on 'Mad Martins' mind when he thought up the idea of doing the 110day sit-in? I cant really imagine him thinking "Hmmm, i really want to do this thing but im concerned that kids over in the UK might try it with some of their native species!". I just think its a bit harsh slating a guy for doing his own thing, in his own country, and for not showing concern on how it might affect people in a different country.

Fair point, I’m sure very little went through this mind when he embarked on project, thinking is probably not one of his strong points! Harsh it may be, but it is very frustrating when attention seekers engaged in such stunts purely to satisfy there own ego, as all keepers get tarred with the same brush. The political stereotypical image of reptile keepers is not good; perhaps the only saving grass is this idiot doesn’t have any tattoos or piercing!

Azemiops · #**116** (**permalink**) 08-08-2008, 11:38 AM

Perhaps this is actually all Declans fault for bringing it to a UK forum! lol

Angi · #**117** (**permalink**) 08-08-2008, 12:08 PM

Tom I think its good to debate, it has been interesting to read everyones views. I think you have made several valid points, it makes a pleasant change to see a mature discussion with some people actually listenning to each others views/ perceptions etc and even considering that others views may be more realistic. I too think you have a good point re it all taking place in Africa. But still my gut feeling is that it does not sit comfortably with me and I think Chris has touched upon my main concern - responsability - not necesarily connected with the UK but could actions like this not sway some children or young adults or even impressionable people to think "hey he did it maybe I could too, then I could have my photo in the papers". But then maybe I'm just another old fart aswell (at least I have an open mind though). I do accept that just because I have an opinion it does not mean it is the correct opinion, just the way I interpret information and come to my own conclusions.

stucoady · #**118** (**permalink**) 08-08-2008, 01:30 PM

With all your arguments about how stupid his act is and how impressionable children may be influenced by such an act, i have yet to hear any international press coverage? It is throuhg feeding this thread have I become aware of this?

repkid · #**119** (**permalink**) 08-08-2008, 01:31 PM

He's an extremely brave guy!

And he's doing it for a good cause aswell!

He deserves a hell of a lot of credit.

Azemiops · #**120** (**permalink**) 08-08-2008, 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stucoady

With all your arguments about how stupid his act is and how impressionable children may be influenced by such an act, i have yet to hear any international press coverage? It is throuhg feeding this thread have I become aware of this?

If you read the last three pages, we've just fnished discussing this issue.

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