I know this post is a bit outdated... But i really had to say i found this a bit disturbing. All animals deserve respect, and some of these comments can be compared in a way to the old folk killing wild dogs on site just for being "ruthless vicious" animals. Dogs come from wolves, and even though they have been with man for thousands of years, they will always have that "killing" or rather curious instinct in them them, just as a Cobra or Puff Adder will almost most surely strike if provoked. If anyone can be blamed, it is man, as usual, as we have been breeding dogs purposely for stuff like protection (this would include killing a snake as the dog instinctively perceives the snake as a danger) and in the hay-days dogs on farms that killed snakes was seen as good dogs and their offspring was usually noted as coming from a snake-killer, or what-ever-killer. Thus it is us who intentionally bred these dogs to do such...
Now; I love snakes, but I'm also very fond of dogs. I have a very curious 1½ year old Boerboel female called Tess, whom i love to death, and would sell my car to save from death if i have to! She's not a dog to me but a member of my family! Since we live on a plot where i catch at least 2 Snouties a year (not talking about the puffies and the occasional Boem-slang
passing through our property) i can't help but fear for her safety. She also has a very bold and ever-curious personality and is always interested in everything and anything. Just the thought of her encountering such a snake while i'm not near to avoid conflict almost drives me crazy with worry, and i don't even want to imagine how that would affect my life! That doesn't mean i want to see the snakes harmed in anyway, as i am so aware that we are just visitors in THEIR habitat and i have a tremendous love for these animals, and any snake killed is a tragedy, but i think it's the responsibility of the owner in training and spending time with your dog, and teaching him/her what is good and what is not, and also knowing your dog and when a bark is serious or not. But in the end dogs will be dogs!
Tess doesn't seem to show more than the usual interest in my collection of snakes, although she always likes to try and have a sniff at them (something i discourage), but last year she spotted a snoutie entering the house and alerted me by barking frantically, this could have been very tragic if i had not known about our visitor...
I would really appreciate any numbers or any helpful advice/anyone who can assist me in the case that my beloved companion gets bitten, as i'm more concerned for her safety than my own. I'd like to make a list i can put up so my entire household can see what to do, or whom to call in the event that i am not home. I live 10minutes from Onderstepoort veterinary hospital (10 min North of PTA North), but i don't always have too much trust in the students there, as they usually are more clever than the books they study from... I once asked a student vet on a regular check up there what i should do in the case of a serious snake bite to my dogs, and she said to leave it, to just make sure she has water and warmth, and that she'll probably sweat it out!!! Sounds ridiculous if a large (or any size for that matter) Snouted Cobra is involved! So i doubt i'll put my trust in them if push comes to shove,world acclaimed or not. Seeing a dog die of any poisoning is such a nasty sight, quick or not, and it will haunt you forever!