8-month-old dog killed by python in KZN

Joe Reeler from Seaward Estate said the dog was outside of the boundary fence when it was unfortunately caught by the python on Sunday morning, December 28, North Coast Courierreported.

Specialised Rescue Unit (SRU) arrived on the scene to find that the python wrapped himself around the dog.

Python wrapped around the dog. Picture: Specialised Rescue Unit

“When we got there, a python was wrapped around the eight-month-old Beagle and was very defensive of its capture,” said Carmen Power from the SRU.

The SRU contacted Neville Wolmarans from Ndlondlo Reptile Park as the snake would need to be captured and relocated safely.

Power added that due to the size of the python, a team of at least four people were needed to safely capture and contain the python with no injuries to the animal or person.

“After a few intense minutes, the snake was captured and the puppy was retrieved. Unfortunately the poor puppy had passed away and there was nothing further anyone could do to save her,” said Power.

The snake will be taken to Ndlondlo Reptile Park where it will be weighed, measured, fed and released safely back into the wild, said Power.

In a separate incident, two people were taken to hospital after they were bitten by their pet snake in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, last year December.

Read more: Pet snake bites two Durban residents 

Paramedics arrived at the Sea View residence to find that the pair had sustained snake bites to their hands while playing with their pet in the garden.

Rescue Care operations manager Garrith Jamieson said the injured residents were found lying on the floor with swelling on the affected areas.

The snake was then captured and taken to a snake specialist at Ushaka Marine World.

– Caxton News Service