A MAN has launched a petition to ban dangerous animals as pets after a python escaped.
John Williams fears for the safety of his family and friends after an 18ft albino Burmese python slithered across the roofs of Ribble Close in Chandler’s Ford on Tuesday.
The slippery snake also tried to get in through the top window of a terraced house.
The python escaped in Chandler’s Ford
The escape has caused the 30-year-old cruise port worker to take matters into his own hands.
John said: “My friends live in Chandler’s Ford and that’s why I’m so worried.
READ MORE: Snake seen slithering across roof after early escape
“I saw the article in the Daily Echo and I’m scared for myself, my family and other people, especially pets and children.
“I think it’s a shame. Snakes this big should be kept under constant control, I’ve always thought that.
John Williams has launched a petition to ban snakes as pets after the python escaped from his home in Chandler’s Ford
“Who needs a snake that size? It’s in a terraced house in the middle of a residential area, it’s horrible.”
The escape made headlines in the UK, with thousands of people, including TV personality Rylan, sharing their shock at the news.
But it was the residents of Ribble Close who woke up to the sliding shock.
Jenny Warwick, 62, witnessed the python climbing the house in front of hers just after 5am on Tuesday.
READ NEXT: ‘Very dangerous snake’ made ‘almighty noise’ as it fell from ceiling
The python escaped in Chandler’s Ford
She said: “I had no idea anyone owned a snake here. I couldn’t believe it when I saw it.
“I would agree that there should be rules about keeping animals like this and that they should be reviewed.
“I don’t think a snake of this size is an ideal pet to have in the houses we live in.
“They should be in their natural habitat or somewhere they can be properly cared for, and not as pets. Especially when they’re this size.”
John’s petition can be signed at www.change.org/p/ban-large-pet-snakes-in-uk on change.org.
A message from the editor
Thanks for reading this article; we appreciate your support for reading the Daily Echo.
Subscription to the Echo means you have unrestricted access to the latest Saints news, features and coverage, all on an ad-light website.
You’ll also have full access to Saintsplus, your new home for Southampton FC tactical analysis, features and much, much more.
Don’t just take my word for it – sign up today.
Follow the latest breaking news in the Southampton area by searching Southampton News – Breaking News and Incidents on Facebook
Follow the latest court and crime news in our dedicated group by searching Hampshire Court and Crime News on Facebook