Following investigations carried out by the Agri-food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA) the pest control team that wrangled with a colossal python along a busy Orchard Road stretch have not been found guilty of animal abuse.
The personnel of Anticimex Pest Management Pte Ltd had been criticized by animal experts last month for the way it handled the extrication of a reticulated python outside Tang Plaza. The Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (ACRES) particularly took issue with how the Anticimex team used “excessive force” and stepped on the python during the process. It got to a point that one of the pest controllers got bitten by the snake, leaving a tooth in his arm (don’t worry, surgery removed it).
“Mishandling will endanger public safety, the safety of the workers handling the animals and also compromise animal welfare,” stated ACRES about the incident.
‘Acted in good faith’
The AVA then got involved and launched an investigation into a case of animal mishandling. Yesterday, Anticimex gladly reported that the company has been cleared of any wrong — AVA found their efforts justifiable.
“Our investigation revealed as there was an immediate risk to public safety where the python was found at a location with high human traffic, your staff had to remove the snake as promptly and practicably as possible,” AVA noted in a statement to Anticimex.
AVA also stated that the “necessary force” was warranted, given that a worker, Farhan, was bitten.
“…it was unfortunate that one of your staff, Mr. Farhan, was bitten in the process. Hence, he had to resort to using necessary force to restrain the python. Mr. Farhan had acted in good faith to prevent further harm and injuries to himself as well as the public who were in close proximity.”
From the start, Anticimex chief executive Tony Hurst stood behind the actions of his employees amidst criticisms thrown at them.
“The situation called for quick, reactive instinct and action under a highly volatile and unpredictable situation,” Hurts noted about the incident.
“When the snake attempted to evade containment, not restraining the reptile by any means available could have had disastrous consequences in this busy and populated area. The importance of protecting the human public will always supersede other considerations.”
In response to AVA’s findings, the pest control firm essentially said: “haters be damned”.
“Our team at Anticimex will continue to remain focused on our daily business, working with the experts within our field and avoiding distractions of commentary from spectators.”
