SHELBY COUNTY, Ky. (LEX 18)– A woman was cited in June for having a dangerous pet.
A Kentucky conservation officer was contacted by a Shelby County woman on June 29 who wanted to surrender a venomous snake to the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources.
Thinking the officer was a fish and wildlife employee, she told him she didn’t want him to tell the police she had it, but she didn’t want it in the house anymore because it had become too large.
The officer arranged a meeting with the owner and after an investigation, he was able to take control of a 5 foot long Monocled Cobra.
This type of cobra is native to South Asia and Southeast Asia. The snake can be found in India, China, Vietnam, and Cambodia, as well as Malaysia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Laos, Nepal, and Thailand. Its venom is one of the fastest acting snake venoms in the world. The venom, which has different potency depending on where the snake is found, can cause death within an hour of being bitten.
The snakes owner was cited for importing and holding prohibited dangerous wildlife, and the cobra was transported to the Kentucky Reptile Zoo in Slade.
Officials want to make sure the public knows it is illegal to import and hold many kinds of exotic dangerous animals in Kentucky. Please check state laws before doing so.
To report suspected illegal activity to Conservation Officers contact your local Kentucky State Police Post or dial 1-800-25-ALERT.
