Python 'squeezes' dog to death

2006-05-09 22:12

Miami - A Florida couple has been told to cough up $1 300 (about R7 000) after their 4m pet python squeezed Max, a neighbour's petite rat terrier.

But, according to the Palm Beach Post report on Tuesday, the court's award was little consolation for Wayne Vassello and Shana Lane, who said Max was family to them.

"I keep a picture of him in my wallet," said Vassello, 32, in a small-claims court in West Palm Beach, Florida.

"We don't have kids," he said. "That was our child. We celebrated birthdays and holidays."

Vassello and Lane, 25, would set a place for Max at the Thanksgiving dinner table, and the beloved pooch was to be the ring bearer at their wedding next year.

The American court heard how Vassello had unleashed three-year-old Max near the front door of his apartment complex, when the huge reptile - named Diamond - suddenly slid out and seized the small dog.

Have bought a new dog

Vassello ran to his car, grabbed a golf club and began whacking the snake.

The snake released the dog, but Max bolted in panic. He was found dead the next day.

Vassello and Lane have since left the apartment complex and bought a new rat terrier.

But neighbour John Corkan insisted he had no reason to get rid of Diamond: "She just does her own thing ... She's never made an attempt to bite or squeeze a person.

"She's a very friendly snake, actually."

- AFP