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Last Updated: Monday, 6 October, 2003, 15:51 GMT 16:51 UK
Snake man admits cruelty
Blackpool Zoo
The snake was taken to Blackpool Zoo after being seized
The owner of a python has been banned from keeping animals for five years after admitting cruelty to the snake.

Peter Byrne used his Burmese python to drape round tourists' shoulders before taking their photographs in Blackpool.

However, magistrates in the town were told on Monday that Byrne had kept the snake in conditions that were too cold for a reptile.

The RSPCA brought a prosecution against him after he was spotted with the snake on a piece of astro turf last November on the resort's promenade.

A spokesman for the animal charity said the snake was not covered and had no protection from the elements.

It was seized and taken to Blackpool Zoo, after inspectors from the charity discovered both the air and ground temperatures were too low for the snake.

Byrne, 30, of Central Drive, Blackpool, pleaded guilty to cruelty.

He was given a two-year conditional discharge and ordered to pay �1,000 costs.




SEE ALSO:
Snakes seized from resort promenade
22 Sep 03  |  Lancashire
Boa constrictor confronts golfers
22 Jul 03  |  Lancashire
Snake suitcase stowaway surprise
08 Jul 03  |  Hampshire/Dorset
Snake 'donated' to charity shop
30 Dec 02  |  England
Snake man admits neglect
18 Sep 02  |  England


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