Would you keep a deadly animal with small children around? (Full Version)

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Leslie_JnJs_mom -> Would you keep a deadly animal with small children around? (7/2/2009 11:24:29 AM)

I saw on the news about a 2 year old killed by a python that the family had as a pet.


http://www.wftv.com/news/19915016/detail.html


It got me to thinking about dangerous pets in general. I personally would never have a pet that could kill my child, but some people do. Personally I look at it as there is plenty of time after the kids are older teens or grown and out of the house to have a dangerous pet if I really wanted one.



bolt. -> RE: Would you keep a deadly animal with small children around? (7/2/2009 11:51:14 AM)

All animals can be deadly. Just ask people who fall down the stairs after tripping over a cat... OK... most fish are fine... but considering how many kids per year drown in buckets, I don't know about the tank.

My point being risks are to be assessed and managed, and that it is not possible to avoid all risk. I don't know about pythons, but I do know that some pets are worth some risk. Families have their own thresholds, and sometimes they make errors of judgement about the degree of risk. It's a really hard thing to put one's finger on, in the empirical sense.

As for me, I'm comfortable with my current 'deadly' cat-and-stairs combination.



stampinlady -> RE: Would you keep a deadly animal with small children around? (7/2/2009 11:56:24 AM)

I think it shows where the parents priorities lie, imo. I don't understand alot of parents these days.[:'(]



Leslie_JnJs_mom -> RE: Would you keep a deadly animal with small children around? (7/2/2009 12:17:16 PM)

a house cat would not look at a toddler as prey though. I am not talking about accidents, I am talking about animals that would kill or maim a child if given the opportunity.



peace77 -> RE: Would you keep a deadly animal with small children around? (7/2/2009 12:19:59 PM)

I wouldn't take the risk.

It's not worth the heartbreak.



Peace,
Anne



3cappuccinosmom -> RE: Would you keep a deadly animal with small children around? (7/2/2009 12:21:01 PM)

Yeah, there's a different between accidents and having a predator as a pet who could view your child as perfectly good prey. [&:]



Sunnymom -> RE: Would you keep a deadly animal with small children around? (7/2/2009 12:22:10 PM)

As a pet in the house? No. But I grew up on a farm and carried a machete around all the time to deal with deadly critters who weren't family pets. [;)] People who own animals with danger potential should spend as much time training and ensuring the safety of the children as they do making sure the animals are properly socialized and contained. That goes for everything from snakes to horses.



his_chosen -> RE: Would you keep a deadly animal with small children around? (7/2/2009 12:35:43 PM)

Is there really any "safe" pet? A doctor that my mother worked with got a bacterial infection from his fish. It started as a small infected cut on his finger, then progressed to the point that he needed a heart transplant.

We had a cocker spaniel when ds1 was born. I was more concerned with this dog as she was getting older and had not been raised around small kids. It was a matter of training the dog. We made sure that she ALWAYS had an "out". When we put up baby gates we made sure she learned how to jump over them. When she could no longer jump over them, we made sure she was on the "safe" side.

After that dog died, we went with a rescue to help us choose another dog. They helped us find a large breed puppy. They thought it would be best to get a sturdy dog to grow up with the kids. We also put in many, many hours training the dog! Same goes for the second large dog.

We've recently adopted a small beagle. This dog is far more dangerous. He's a tripping hazard.[&:]

We also have a ball python. She's about 4feet long. She is tame, but not a domestic animal. Snakes live on instinct. Once she smells her food source, she will strike at ANYTHING white. Heaven help you if your hand is in the wya. There are rules for handling her. Never, ever put your hand in her tank when feeding her. Just drop the rat in. If you need to move the rat, use tongs. Never, ever your hand. Do not put your hands anywhere near her after you have handled a prey food. As far as handling her, use two hands. Never let her wrap herself around you. And never, ever put a snake around your neck. Yah, it looks cool, but it's just stupid. Also, snakes can carry salmonella, so wash your hands well after handling her.

I don't know that we would have had a snake when the kids were younger. Several years ago we found a wild snake inside after winter hit. We kept the snake over the winter and really enjoyed him. Once we released him, ds1 decided he wanted a pet snake. He was 12yo and he paid for the snake as well as the tank and all of her needs. We've agreed to pay half of the vet bills. The snake is ds1's, but when he goes off to college (in 2 short years!) I'm fine with keeping the snake.



Chrystal-J-007 -> RE: Would you keep a deadly animal with small children around? (7/2/2009 12:36:49 PM)

My tiny dog has a bad day sometimes and goes nuts. He snarls and lunges. I'd much rather have a tiny dog freaking out on me--than to have some huge dog doing that...especially around little kids. So, I'd have to say "no", I'd never have an animal around my kids that could harm them.



OneOfHisJewels -> RE: Would you keep a deadly animal with small children around? (7/2/2009 2:01:02 PM)

To answer the op, no I would not.

When you get licensed to have a home day care in your home, they make sure you don't have dangerous pets, and even a non-dangerous dog has to be fenced in in its own area while the kids are there.

To me, it makes sense for parents to use the same common sense (of course, maybe not cage the dog...but..)

However, it does sound like his_chosen's familly is handling their snake properly..still not for me though....I do not like snakes.



Edited because I guess I was in a nether universe when I originally made my post....it made no sense.



Mrs.Wifey -> RE: Would you keep a deadly animal with small children around? (7/2/2009 2:14:57 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Chrystal-J-007

My tiny dog has a bad day sometimes and goes nuts. He snarls and lunges. I'd much rather have a tiny dog freaking out on me--than to have some huge dog doing that...especially around little kids. So, I'd have to say "no", I'd never have an animal around my kids that could harm them.


Funny how everyone is so different. I would never have a small dog in a house with a child, I find them to be very unpredictable(both the child and the dog, lol). I've yet to have a large dog(and I've owned several) ever snarl or lunge at me.

I would not own a pet that is an imminent threat to my child, but owning a 8.5 foot python is against our city ordinances anyway.



Chrystal-J-007 -> RE: Would you keep a deadly animal with small children around? (7/2/2009 2:37:03 PM)

I have a Boston Terrier. Which is more in the "middle" range of size for dogs. But, my dog happens to be on the small side for a Boston. And they're suppose to be the "gentleman" breed (mellow). But, of coarse, mine is hyper...lol. He's a good dog 90% of the time, but there'll be that one time in a year where he "freaks out" and goes on the attack. And I understand that everyone (including pets) can have a bad day. I'm just glad he's only 12 lbs. and not 100 lbs.
(I have to say I've had big dogs in the past, so I don't have anything against them.)



sharonjef2007 -> RE: Would you keep a deadly animal with small children around? (7/2/2009 3:03:15 PM)

To me, it is about being a responsible parent and pet owner. I personally would not own a big dog if I didn't have the knowledge and skills to train and properly acclimate the dog. I wouldn't have a snake because I just don't want a snake...LOL! But, I also know people don't always make the wisest decisions when it comes to deciding on a pet.

And, sometimes you can get surprised too. We adopted our current dog from the shelter as a 3 month old pup. They said she was a rottie/lab mix. Well, the bigger she gets, the more we see she has a lot of german shepherd in her too. Personality wise and everything, she might as well be a pure bread GS. But, we were prepared for a large, energetic dog and simply had to do a little more research to know how best to train and understand her due to her breed. It is funny to watch her herd the cats. But, we can't allow her to do that since we saw she also tries to herd the neighborhood kids....LOL! But really, imagine thinking you are getting a lab mix and you end up with a breed of dog you are scared of or don't understand. What if you end up with a little yorkie that is a massive terror? What if you get a poodle thinking how cute it will be and he/she ends up being a dominate holy terror?

I'm with Ryanne....I'd MUCH rather have a large breed dog then have some yappy and crazy and psychotic ankle biter. To me, terriers take more work then rotties or german shepherds, LOL!



garsyt -> RE: Would you keep a deadly animal with small children around? (7/2/2009 3:51:50 PM)

Any size dog could hurt and possibly kill a child.

We had a Terrier mix when I was a kid and it was way nastier than any other dog we ever had! Yet our neighbors here had a large pit that was seriously capable of doing major damage. My 2nd cousin had a chihuahua that scared anyone that came NEAR my cousins truck when he was in it and just within the last couple of years a large dog in the area unexpectedly attacked a young girl who reached out to pet the dog as it's owner was out walking him in an area park. Conversely - The gentlest dog I've ever known was a large golden lab my parents had on the farm. My SIL's little ****zu is just a ball of fun loving energy that just loves the kids! My pugs love kids and I could never dream that either of them would ever hurt anyone un-necessarily and my dear friends huge boxer would protect the kids from their little yippie things and when their kiddos where young would let the kids ride her like a horse and would sleep with their eldest ds.

My cat is a major health hazard if you don't KNOW that he sleeps at the top of the stairs!

I guess I could never keep a snake of any sort - they just creep me out. But one of my sisters former boyfriends had exotic animals of many different kinds like snakes, spiders and lizards. And when I'd visit with the kids the animals were confined to their cages in a bedroom behind closed doors.

I do think that IF an animal has even attempted to hurt a child then the owners need to do something about it. The neighbor with the mean pit put the animal down after it attacked my dog while it was heading for my dd. The little terrier I had as a child was shot by my father because this dog was killing our chickens and rabbits and would constantly chase my younger siblings and I as we played in the yard or did our chores.

Blessings,

Garsy



Mollymouser -> RE: Would you keep a deadly animal with small children around? (7/2/2009 4:58:51 PM)

Is now a good time to mention that, growing up, we had a pet alligator? Seriously .... we had him for almost a month before he bit a broomstick in half and my parents rethought the wisdom of harboring an illegal alligator in the back yard.



isaacsmom -> RE: Would you keep a deadly animal with small children around? (7/2/2009 5:16:25 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: garsyt

Any size dog could hurt and possibly kill a child.



Very true. We had a very sad incident in this area recently where a lab puppy mauled and killed a newborn. The mom was asleep in another room and left the baby in the swing. Very, very sad and SHOULD have been prevented. It's not always about the type of dog or size of dog, but about family being responsible with their pets and children.

Although, I would never have a python in the house with children.

We have a small dog and goats and calves. Completely harmless animals. However, we are careful to always stay nearby so the kids don't get trampled, etc.



PinkCarnations -> RE: Would you keep a deadly animal with small children around? (7/2/2009 5:33:30 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Mrs.Wifey

quote:

ORIGINAL: Chrystal-J-007

My tiny dog has a bad day sometimes and goes nuts. He snarls and lunges. I'd much rather have a tiny dog freaking out on me--than to have some huge dog doing that...especially around little kids. So, I'd have to say "no", I'd never have an animal around my kids that could harm them.


Funny how everyone is so different. I would never have a small dog in a house with a child, I find them to be very unpredictable(both the child and the dog, lol). I've yet to have a large dog(and I've owned several) ever snarl or lunge at me.

I would not own a pet that is an imminent threat to my child, but owning a 8.5 foot python is against our city ordinances anyway.


I agree about the dogs. IMO, the only good snakes are dead ones.



SweetLittleErin -> RE: Would you keep a deadly animal with small children around? (7/2/2009 6:03:14 PM)

We have the yappy, ankle biting, terrier. She isnt the most calm animal. And she occasionally shows some aggression, HOWEVER, we are aware of that, we take every precaution to make sure nothing happens to our son. We are working on her training (she'd never been around children until Isaac came along). She gets in trouble for showing ANY aggression. Isaac is also being taught to respect her boundaries (though he is still a bit small for much teaching).

I fully believe that most accidents like that can be prevented by being aware of the situation.



stampinlady -> RE: Would you keep a deadly animal with small children around? (7/2/2009 9:00:55 PM)

quote:

I would not own a pet that is an imminent threat to my child


I'm with you Ryane. I'd even get rid of the family dog or cat if I felt it was viscious. We had neighbors once who had two dogs that would bite people and everytime our kids went over to their house I was a little nervous. They were taught to not pet them, but you know how kids are. They had a black lab and a small fluffy thing. The couple had no small kids of their own and our kids were like family to them. Their dog did bite a relative one time and I think they got sued.

Now, about tripping on cats, our Ragdoll tends to follow everyone aroundespecially in the kitchen. We've all tripped over him a few times.[8|]



PinkCarnations -> RE: Would you keep a deadly animal with small children around? (7/2/2009 9:03:07 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: stampinlady
Now, about tripping on cats, our Ragdoll tends to follow everyone around especially in the kitchen. We've all tripped over him a few times.[8|]


I think cats do that intentionally. That's why I am a dog lover. [8D]



stampinlady -> RE: Would you keep a deadly animal with small children around? (7/2/2009 9:18:29 PM)

Lol. We joke that the kids and animals want us dead so that they can take over.



still4gvn -> RE: Would you keep a deadly animal with small children around? (7/2/2009 9:32:19 PM)

My one grandson is pretty harmless, but the other is an ankle biter and too hyper to leave around animals. Cat thinks he should be leashed.



Mrs.Wifey -> RE: Would you keep a deadly animal with small children around? (7/2/2009 9:47:34 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: stampinlady

quote:

I would not own a pet that is an imminent threat to my child


I'm with you Ryane. I'd even get rid of the family dog or cat if I felt it was viscious. We had neighbors once who had two dogs that would bite people and everytime our kids went over to their house I was a little nervous. They were taught to not pet them, but you know how kids are. They had a black lab and a small fluffy thing. The couple had no small kids of their own and our kids were like family to them. Their dog did bite a relative one time and I think they got sued.

Now, about tripping on cats, our Ragdoll tends to follow everyone aroundespecially in the kitchen. We've all tripped over him a few times.[8|]


Yeah, my family and DH's have both packed dogs up and taken them to the pound when they have shown the first sign of aggression. I would never, ever keep a dog like that in my house even if I had them before we had the kids. You can't be around the dog and child every second of every day and all it takes is a minute or two before your child's face is being attacked.

Growing up we had a cocker spaniel who was promptly evicted from the house when she snarled at my sister and nipped at her face. Oddly enough, it was the neighbors cocker spaniel who attacked my leg, I had a scar from that for years.



Chrystal-J-007 -> RE: Would you keep a deadly animal with small children around? (7/2/2009 10:11:27 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: still4gvn

My one grandson is pretty harmless, but the other is an ankle biter and too hyper to leave around animals. Cat thinks he should be leashed.


I had to read that twice...[:D]



garsyt -> RE: Would you keep a deadly animal with small children around? (7/2/2009 10:34:04 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: PinkCarnations

quote:

ORIGINAL: stampinlady
Now, about tripping on cats, our Ragdoll tends to follow everyone around especially in the kitchen. We've all tripped over him a few times.[8|]


I think cats do that intentionally. That's why I am a dog lover. [8D]


Ha! I'm a dog lover, but in this house it's definitely not just the cat that gets tripped over! My dogs are REALLY good at getting under foot in the kitchen all the time!

At least with the cat it's only his sleeping at the top of the stairs that causes a hazard!!

Blessings,

Garsy



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