MEDIA
RELEASE
Another snake handler bitten in Victoria –
No connection with
SNAKEBUSTERS.
Release
dated 13 June 2008
News
of another novice snake handler getting a near fatal bite from a Death Adder
does not come as a surprise.
The
victim, John Deutscher, is not (as reported in several places) in any way
connected with Snakebusters and has a long history of a cavalier attitude to
reptiles and safety and has had by his own admissions in the media today, had
several serious bites.
This
poor attitude to safety and a culpable disregard for the taxpayer with his
regular trips to hospitals at public expense are among the many reasons we
rejected his unsolicited applications to work for us.
It
is also unfortunate that the licensing authority, DSE have chosen not to take
action against a number of rogue operators identified by us in recent years,
who besides risking safety, have repeatedly lied to potential customers and
broken the law to gain business and teach people information that is simply not
true and in itself hazardous.
For
the record, Snakebusters only employ staff of the highest expertise and caliber
and this week’s snakebite safety breach by a newly licenced snake handler is a
timely reminder for all in terms of reptile safety.
In
the last twelve months alone several so-called snake handlers from several
newly licenced traveling reptile demonstrating outfits have had to be rushed to
hospital as a result of snakebites from mishandling (often with back-breaking
metal tongs). One man, James Bear died
from a bite from his pet snake.
Snakebusters
are alone in our industry in having proven expertise with reptiles spanning
decades and a perfect safety record.
Only
Snakebusters use vet certified surgically devenomized (venomoid) snakes.
We
are the only company with these snakes.
Snakebusters
are the only company in Australia who can give a watertight safety guarantee
for deadly snake shows.
Under
section 32 of the Victorian 2004 OH and S Act, Snakebusters are the only
company legally allowed to bring venomous species into public.
Persons
considering live reptile demonstrations for events, shows, shopping malls and
similar should take this week’s near fatal snakebite of a snake handler
associated with a rival demonstrating business as a warning against dealing
with newly licenced outfits that may put either themselves or their customers
at risk or break the law to demonstrate venomous species in public places,
including schools, malls or events.
Organizers
who may have booked a non-Snakebusters presentation should also immediately
rule out the use of venomous snakes on the basis of risk to both handler and
customers before another serious accident or death happens.
Today,
Snakebusters director Raymond Hoser, said “It’s after events like today’s near
fatal bite, that people appreciate the quality, expertise and reliability of
Snakebusters. … people trust Snakebusters and for good reason.”
Hoser
also said “Both existing and new customers realize that it simply isn’t worth
taking risks with novices who both lack expertise with reptiles and also take
risks with public safety through not using snakes that are devenomized.”
Today
Raymond Hoser said “The flagrant disregard of basic safety procedures by a bunch of
ratbags have put the rights of thousands of legitimate private reptile keepers
at risk”.
For
the record, in decades of catching and handling thousands of the world’s
deadliest snakes, leading Australian Snakeman Raymond Hoser has never been
rushed to hospital for snakebite or had a drop of antivenom.
Further details - Snakebusters: 0412 777 211
Also see our website at:
http://www.snakebusters.net
Snakebusters and Snakeman are registered and protected trademarks. Unauthorised use prohibited.
Snakebusters - Australia's best reptiles.
Phone: 03 9812 3322
or
0412 777 211
(within Australia)
A file of recent serious (fatal and life threatening) bites of other licenced Victorian demonstrators and snake handlers and/or members of the public at their events
Non-urgent email inquiries via the Snakebusters bookings page at:
http://www.snakebusters.com.au/sbsboo1.htm
Urgent inquiries phone:
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia:
(03) 9812 3322 or 0412 777 211