A MAN has launched a petition to ban keeping dangerous animals as pets after a python made a great escape.
John Williams is scared for the safety of his family and friends after an 18-foot Albino Burmese python slithered across rooftops in Ribble Close in Chandler’s Ford on Tuesday.
The slippery serpent also tried to enter the upstairs window of a terraced house.
The escape has prompted the 30-year-old cruise port worker to take matters into his own hands.
John said: “My friends live in Chandler’s Ford and that is why I am so concerned.
READ MORE: Snake spotted slithering across rooftop after early hours escape
“I saw the article in the Daily Echo and I feel scared for myself, for my family and for other people, especially pets and children.
“I think it is a disgrace. Snakes that big should be kept under constant control, I have always thought this.
“Who needs a snake that size? It’s in a terraced house in the middle of a residential area – it’s horrific.”
The escape made headlines in the UK, with thousands of people - including TV personality Rylan - sharing their shock at the news.
But it was Ribble Close residents who awoke to the slithering surprise.
Jenny Warwick, 62, witnessed the python scaling the house opposite hers after 5am on Tuesday.
READ NEXT: 'Very dangerous snake' made 'almighty thud' when it plunged from roof
She said: “I had no idea anyone owned a snake here. I couldn’t believe it when I saw it.
“I would agree that there should be some rules on keeping animals like that and they should be checked on.
“I don’t think a snake of that size is an ideal pet to have for the houses we live in.
“They should be in their natural habitat or somewhere they can be looked after properly, and not as pets. Especially when they are that size.”
John’s petition can be signed at www.change.org/p/ban-large-pet-snakes-in-uk on change.org.
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