A video of a baby playing with a python has sparked online controversy.
There will always be a debate about animals in the house or near children. Particularly if the animal is a certain breed of dog, like a Pit Bull or a Rottweiler. Other times, the debate is about wild animals, like foxes, and exotic wildlife, like big cats and reptiles.
One snake handler from Michigan faced a ton of backlash after sharing a video of his 14-month-old daughter, Alyssa, playing with his 13-foot Burmese pet python, Nay Nay.
The father, Jamie Guarino, defended his actions after he received scathing responses after putting his daughter in what many consider an extremely dangerous situation.
“I was trying to show that snakes are not evil creatures, they can be a loving pet despite their bad reputation. When people see the way Nay-Nay is with Alyssa they mostly react with fear or negativity and I don’t understand why,” he told ABC7 News.
Guarino is a professional snake handler who runs the YouTube account SnakeHuntersTV. He owns a huge python named Nay Nay, and his channel features videos of himself and his daughters feeding the great snake, as well as playing with it and even getting bitten, which he always plays off as a lighthearted moment (see the video titled: “Funny snake bite,” or, “Girl gets giggles when snake bites her”).
People are engaged with the content because it seems as though Jamie is putting his daughter’s life in jeopardy simply so he can get a few hits online and create content that amazes people. But is that worth the life of his daughter?
“This guy has a love for his snakes, which is perfectly fine, but it’s made him blind to the fact that is DOES remain a dangerous animal, especially towards a baby,” one user commented.
Some folks on social media also come out in support of Jamie allowing his snake to move freely around his young daughter.
“This guy has a love for his snakes, which is perfectly fine, but it’s made him blind to the fact that is DOES remain a dangerous animal, especially towards a baby.”
“Have massive amounts of respect for this guy.. it’s hard for people to understand but he’s a professional he knows his snakes and you can clearly see the snake is chill not particularly interested in the little girl but more interested in having a look around,” one user wrote.
“Snakes are inquisitive animals and they are also very affectionate despite the mean reputation. Listen to this guy folks snakes are NOT what you think they are.. 🐍”
Many said as long as the snake doesn’t feel threatened or is hungry, they are safe to be around.
Unfortunately, the authorities didn’t see it this way and Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office asked the Department of Human Resources to launch an investigation into whether child neglect or abuse is taking place.
Watch the video below for more details:
Source: AWM
