It was a case of ‘who let the snakes out’ when two residents from Adelaide’s inner south-west suburbs decided to take their three spotted black snakes out for a bit of a slither in the sun.
Snake catcher Simon Adamczyk, the man ‘walking’ the snakes, said venturing outdoors was good for the critters and that taking his pets for a walk is just behavioural enrichment “to give them some time in the natural sun as well as exercise”.
Mr Adamczyk, who has a total of seven snakes including the deadlier venomous red-bellied snake, said none of them have been defanged and he gives all of them similar exercises once or twice a week.
According to the couple, the neighbours don’t mind the slithering serpents taking a break from their cages, and they don’t seem too worried about the pets especially once they get to know them.
“Most people find it weird I own animals like this but after talking with me for a few minutes they appreciate the time and effort I put into the animals.
“They mean us no harm unless we hurt or threaten them,” Mr Adamczyk said, although not all the residents seem to entertain his ‘walking’ idea, especially after watching the video in which one of the snakes tries to make a quick wriggle for freedom.
“This is absolutely ridiculous. I just can’t comprehend the whole concept of walking deadly snakes in an area saturated with primary schools, sport centres and parks where young children go. I am actually very disappointed in the council for not putting an end to this ridiculous act,” said Dimitris*, who has lived in the area since he migrated to Australia in the 1950s.
“I respect the fact that everyone has the right to do what they want but this is now disrespectful to other residents and a potential hazard to the rest of the community. I don’t think it is fair on us to have to worry and watch our backs every time we take our grandchildren to the park,” says yiayia Tasia*, who also lives in the area and looks after her five grandchildren on a daily basis.
* The interviewees requested to omit their surnames.
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