Python shot!

[Kev3]

The Criminal Procedure act and the Prevention of Cruelty to Aimals Act give very strict guidelines as to when a Police Official can use his firearm to kill an animal. Report the matter to the relevant "Animal welfare" institution such as NSPCA and your local Conservation authority as it is a TOPS protected species. Arrogance and ignorance cannot be tolerated especially by the SAPS.

From sounds of things she did not pose immediate danger to anyone... please keep us updated...

[Wolf777]

She was cornered in the corner of the yard, the officer shot her through the fence from the outside, took a few steps back, climbed into his car and drove off.

[komodoking]

She was cornered in the corner of the yard, the officer shot her through the fence from the outside, took a few steps back, climbed into his car and drove off.

I might get into trouble for saying this, but can u guys remember back in primary school when the police came and tought us all about what to do when in danger (10111) that whole story ? Maybe some of the guys should give them some schooling on snakes etc. Why shoot a Defenceless animal ?

Just my 2c.

[Wolf777]

Exactly, and even more disgusting, why shoot a defenceless animal whilst someone has already been called to remove it and is only 20m away? Really worrying.

[CoN]

Im disgusted. I would take it further, good on you for trying to save the python.

[Ruan Stander]

Divan, did anything come of this ? That just gets me so worked up ! What kind of an uneducated, ignorant, poorly evolved baboon would do that ?

[Wolf777]

I am afraid nothing ever came of it, all swepped under the rug. The officer didn't even get a slap on the wrist. It is sad to say that Limpopo has the worst Nature Conservation officials in the country; don't get me wrong there are some excellent and more than competent people around, albeit extremely few. I guess its the same as in any other government organisation.

[Ruan Stander]

Sickening. It's just sad. Pathetic and shameful to say the least.

[Daniellouw]

This is obviously infuriating! Education obviously needed but as we are the guys who care, we should make a point of it that the Police stations in our areas have someone to call in a case were a snake is concerned. Trust me, policemen (in general ) are not snake lovers and they would rather call someone than handling it themselves.

[Wolf777]

@DanielLouw you would be correct, but in this case it was one of the higher ranking members of the police department that seemed to look fo an excuse to use his firearm. What really made me angry is that we got to the location within 2 mins of being called, after going to the wrong house, and he still shot it. Then when I asked the guy who called us why he didn't stop the officer (who had left as soon as he stopped shooting), he said we took too long.