Snake catcher Rob Ambrose warns of dangers

LEADING vets and snake catcher Rob Ambrose says pet owners should be wary of snakes as the warmer weather brings the reptiles into the open.

Snake Catcher Rob Ambrose with a 1.7m snake

EXPERIENCED snake catcher Rob Ambrose said pet owners should be wary of snakes with the warmer weather bringing the reptiles in the open.

The Vineyard local works for Sydney Snake Catchers and said dogs usually attack things in the gardens and are 10 times more likely to get bitten by snakes than people.

However, Mr Ambrose said the dogs could be trained to avoid attacking snakes, saving them from a potentially fatal bite.

“Dogs are potentially harmful to a number of different creatures and can rip blue lizards to pieces,” Mr Ambrose said.

Rob Ambrose is having a busy season rescuing snakes from people's homes.

“One dog recently bit off half the face of a possum which we later rescued.

“They attack snakes and can get bitten on numerous occasions.

“But there is one cure for this because dogs are very good animals to condition and you can train them not to attack things and animals.

“In fact I trained my dog not to attack snakes.”

Rob Ambrose removed a 1.7 metre snake from near a Schofields property.

According to Mr Ambrose, spring is the time the snakes get out and about and travel long distances.

“Last weekend, I removed a 1.7 metre brown snake from a garden in Schofields as the owner was terrified,” Mr Ambrose said.

“But snakes usually don’t bite humans unless they are provoked.

“Look at me, if snakes were to attack someone, they will attack me as I am an absolute nuisance to them!”

The past few weeks has been busy for the experienced snake catcher as he has been called out to a minimum of five jobs a day.

A 1.2m red bellied black snake acaught on Buckleys Rd, Winston Hills.

Meanwhile, the Australian Veterinary Association spokesman Dr David Neck said snakes tend to be their most active at the end of the day.

He said dog owners should avoid snake-prone areas, particularly if they are walking their dog at the end of the day.

A Vineyard family’s dog Scruffy died after killing the snake

“Snakes can also venture into backyards, and over the spring and summer months even city dogs and cats can be at risk,” he said.

“The onset of signs in dogs is generally faster than it is for cats.

“Snakes in barns are probably looking for mice or rats, so keeping your barn clean can help to avoid this problem.

“They tend to be attracted to rodents and rubbish to hide under.

“Outside, keep a close eye for snakes in bushy areas or near water.

“It’s best to try and keep horses, cattle and sheep away from bushy areas if possible.

“Horses, sheep and cattle are also susceptible to snake venom.

“Signs include muscle tremor, laboured breathing and dilated pupils followed by paralysis.”

If you can’t get veterinary attention immediately, applying a pressure bandage over and around the bite site can help slow the venom spreading to the heart.

Contact your local vet if you think a snake has been bitten your pet.

Snake Snakes Catchers: 1300 599 938