Calvin McGowan, nine, with Crush, the lucky snake. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli

The dumping of Crush, a boa constrictor, in a skip in Gżira should raise concerns about animal cruelty rather than the danger it poses to people, according to the herpetological society.

Crush was the lucky one of two snakes abandoned just metres from a playground, which gave a man who spoke to this newspaper the fright of his life.

He happened to look in a bag when retrieving an old whisky keg from the skip and came face-to-face with what he believed was a three-metre long python. Often confused with the python species, it was, in fact, two boa constrictors, which do not grow as large.

The discovery sent ripples of fear across the social media.

Crush, who is about a metre long, had been smashed in the head before being dumped with another snake, probably its sibling, in the sack.

After the terrified man called the police, the Animal Welfare Department contacted the Malta Herpetological Society’s vice president, Matthew Vella, a vet assistant. Believing both were dead, it was decided that an autopsy be carried out but it was then discovered that one was still alive. “The snakes were badly beaten. One of them suffocated in its blood. Crush was left for dead. We didn’t think he was going to make it. He had his head crushed in, lacerations in his mouth and burn marks all over his body. But with a lot of love and quite a bit of treatment and care, he’s doing much better now,” society president Chris McGowan said when contacted.Mr Vella believes Crush survived because the welfare department arrived on site immediately.

When attacking their prey, they go for the lungs, and human beings are too large for these snakes

The Malta Herpetological Society was set up to promote the conservation of local and exotic reptiles and raise awareness about responsible ownership. It endorses caging standards, escape-prevention protocols and control of alien species. “No matter what reptile you have, no matter what species, no matter the state of the animal, feel free to contact us if you cannot keep it any longer. And if anyone comes across any animal, give us a call, we’ll come and collect it and find a home for it,” Mr Vella said.

Mr McGowan understands that a lot of people fear snakes, however, he added, Crush did not pose a danger to people. “They don’t strangle people, despite what many think. When attacking their prey, they go for the lungs, and human beings, including kids, are too large for these snakes.”

The worst case scenario, he said, was if a snake bit you. However, this would do more damage to the snake because it would end up breaking its teeth and get infected.

The society is against the importation of any venomous species.

“We do our best to work with the authorities to ensure no venomous species enter the market. However, if someone does end up bringing in a venomous species, we have the expertise required to deal with it.”

Mr McGowan can be contacted on 7922 4747 and Mr Vella on 9946 2511.

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