Skip to content

Snake owner wants education, not bylaw

Marleau says that during the recent Voyageur Days people were often taking pictures of him with his snake.
python larry marleau 2016
Larry Marleau is hoping that education is the key to the public better understanding his pet python. Submitted photo.

The man that has prompted the town of Mattawa to consider enacting an animal control bylaw says he hasn't tried to scare anybody and feels education is needed so people better understand snakes.

See related story: Mattawa resident fears exotic pet ban prompted by a man with a large snake

Town council says when Larry Marleau walks downtown with his pet ball python wrapped around his neck, it scares people and the "phones ring off the hook" with people complaining.

Marleau lives in neighbouring Papineau-Cameron Township and has raised snakes without a problem since he was 19 years old. He's now 42.

He feels that council is rushing to judgement without the facts.

"It doesn't make sense for the animal," he told BayToday. "They're not as bad as people think and I do respect 100 percent the people that are scared of it. I usually know and move away. People are telling lies, I've never tried to scare anybody."

A Mattawa store has offered to help says Marleau and he's hoping that once a month he'll be able to display his snake there so people can see it and learn about it.

"I really appreciate that. I'm not a bad guy."

Marleau says that during the recent Voyageur Days people were often taking pictures of him with his snake.

The python comes from sub-Saharan Africa and is a non-venomous constrictor. It's popular as a pet because of its docile temperament. Marleau's snake weighs about 30 lbs and stretches to a length of six feet.

It's called a ball python because it tends to curl up in a ball when frightened.

Marleau's son Zac says the snake is harmless.

"My dad has never entered a store or anything of that kind with a snake. He walks around in public to allow others to see the snake for good reason. He never scares anyone with them. One time an older lady asked him to go to the other side of the road, and he did. He hid behind a car and allowed her to keep going with her day.

"It's not right they are taking away everyone's right to own a snake because some people don't like them. People love them, some hate them, but some hate dogs. How many people have you heard of getting bitten by a dog and how many get a snake bite from a pet snake...zero.

"This is not right at all. My dad loves the snakes just like some love dogs, cats and birds.  People need to understand they won't hurt anyone. He wouldn't bring a snake in if he knew it would bite someone."

Marleau calls council's anticipated action "really unfair" and wants council to become educated about snakes before banning them.

He plans on writing an open letter to the citizens of the area explaining his situation.

Meanwhile council has sent its bylaw back to committee for more study after a delegation approached it Monday asking that it be reconsidered.

See related story: Mattawa council to give pet bylaw more study


Jeff Turl

About the Author: Jeff Turl

Jeff is a veteran of the news biz. He's spent a lengthy career in TV, radio, print and online, covering both news and sports. He enjoys free time riding motorcycles and spoiling grandchildren.
Read more

Reader Feedback