Dear editor:

Observer Editor Dwain Walden asks where PETA stands on the issue of invasive pythons in Florida and he’s right: We are in favor of the pythons — in favor of humanely capturing and euthanizing them and banning them from being sold as pets, that is. People often buy exotic animals on a whim without realizing that they require specialized diets, living conditions, and veterinary care.

Once the thrill of owning an exotic animal wears off, many are relegated to a cage or chain or simply turned loose to fend for themselves.

Some animals, such as pythons, adapt and wreak havoc on ecosystems. Florida officials estimate that there may be as many as 150,000 Burmese pythons living in the Everglades’ descendants of pets who were discarded.  

It’s not fair to exotic animals or to the people and wildlife they endanger to sell them as novelty pets, and it’s not fair to make them suffer because of humans‚ stupidity and greed.

Jennifer O'Connor

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals

501 Front St.

Norfolk, VA 23510