The man who was bitten by the massive python (or as one of our readers call it, a proper unit of nope rope) is doing just fine, according to the pest control firm that he works for, Anticimex Pest Management Pte Ltd.
The pest control handler, now identified as Farhan, became an unintentional casualty in the midst of wrangling the 3m-long snake outside Orchard Road’s Tang Plaza on Tuesday morning. Along with four of his colleagues and a shopping mall security guard, they tried to bag the python, which proved to be tenacious enough to bring Farhan to his knees. The snake even managed to bite his arm, but his colleagues managed to pry open its jaws.
While the man reeled from his injury, the pest control handlers carted the massive reptile away from the densely populated street. According to the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA), the python is now under the care of Wildlife Reserves Singapore.
Tony Hurst, the managing director and president of Anticimex’s Asian operations, assured the public about Farhan’s recovery in hospital. Apparently, that bite embedded a snake tooth in the man’s arm — but it has since been removed after surgery. At least Farhan has a souvenir now to remember the incident.
Venomous criticism
The footage prompted a heated discussion about the way the Anticimex workers handled the animal — in particular, the part where one of the men had to step on the python.
Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (ACRES) Deputy Chief Executive Officer Kalai Vanan was not impressed at all. ACRES is usually the go-to team to call in when it comes to wildlife in urban environments, with its staff having executed dozens of python rescues.
“From the video, the handling of the snake is terrible from start to finish,” he informed STOMP. “The snake was stepped on and handled very roughly. Poor handling skills caused the handler to get bitten as well.”
Even AVA is getting involved. According to the authority, investigations are being carried out to into the case, labeled as an alleged mishandling of an animal.
“Cruelty to animals is an offense under the Animals and Birds Act. AVA has issued a set of guidelines on the proper handling of snakes to all pest control and wildlife management agencies in Singapore,” noted AVA.
“For example, snakes should not be unduly harmed by the persons handling it and appropriate equipment should be used to catch them.”
Bite back
On his part, Hurst stood behind the actions of his employees involved in the incident. According to him, the manager of the team involved is trained in snake handling at the Singapore Zoo, and using all parts of the body — including the foot — was deemed necessary during the situation.
“The situation called for quick, reactive instinct and action under a highly volatile and unpredictable situation. 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.
The manager of this team was trained in snake handling at the Singapore Zoo, and the personnel involved used all necessary parts of their bodies to safely relocate a very large snake in a public place. A foot is no different to a hand being used in an attempt to restrain a powerful animal, and in fact, the human leg is stronger than the arm for this purpose.”
Hurst also pointed out that it had been a highly difficult setting for his employees due to it being a busy shopping area with a lot of pedestrians filming the scene. The Anticimex handlers, he affirmed, showed “no malice or cruelty” towards the python even after Farhan was bitten, and the methods were required to prevent further harm.
“Moments of indecision in situations such as these could cause greater harm, so we are thankful the staff acted quickly when the situations called for it and I am proud to be working with such committed individuals,” Hurst declared.
ACRES responded to Hurst’s comments earlier today, offering rebuttals against his arguments. They did wish Farhan a speedy recovery, though.
“If handled properly, there would not be a need to use excessive force or step on the animal and the animal handler would also not get injured.
If there was a concern about public safety, the area should also have been properly cordoned off and members of the public kept further away from the animal. This will also help keep the animal more calm and make the handling easier.”
