http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/sussex/8594267.stm

When will these end?

Perhaps when the morons no longer get any publicity, and no one pays any attention to them, they will stop doing it.

What is the problem guys? He is doing it for raising money for hte St Catherine's Hospice in Crawley.

I have a lot of respect for (Mad) Martin that he did the same a while ago. He was also raising money. These guys doesn't only raise money but let also see that venomous snakes aren't too bad if you know how to work with them.

Stefan - The guy who went in after Martin was bitten by 2 Puff Adders and 1 Snouted cobra, how did he show the public that venomous snakes are not that bad? There are other ways to increase awareness for venomous snakes.

Also, I dont understand why this gentleman is coming to SA to raise funds for an organisation in UK whose currency is worth 12 times what ours is? Is he being sponsored by people in the UK or what?

Everyone has their own opinion, this happens to be mine

Such things miscredit the hobby a lot IMHO.
He should do this with some Kraits, so he would not wake up and share the fate with a lot of poor Indian people who have to sleep on the floor because they lack of other possibilities ...

I agree with Mr. Deans, Mr. Allen and Mr. Leitenbauer with regard to these kinds of publicity stunts. Sincerely, Jon Davidson .

You may think wath you think... I just have great respect for Martin the current record holder.

Respect?
I have respect for people doing benefits for others - without feeding their own ego doing that.
Maybe i can have respect for snake keepers doing their job serious and avoiding to take risks.
But for a guy who was bitten under such stupid self-inflicted circumstances - no, sorry.

Stupidity doesn't earn respect in my opinion.

Peter

Stefan - I have no issue with Martin at all. I like him.
Any correspondence I have had with him in the past has always been pleasant.
He went about doing the sit in without too much self promotion and ego feeding, he got out without being bitten and also states it was the stupidest thing he has ever done.

Its the sit in concept that bothers me, especially after dumbass, I mean Nutty Natie went and got bitten 3 times by deadly snakes before learning his lesson.

What if Mr Jones is bitten and loses a limb, or dies? Is it worth it? He has a family.

My two pennies....as if it is worth anything....But, here goes...

While the guys who do these sit ins, are often raising money for charity, inwhich I respect, I have no respect for the owners of the snake park which is hosting this. - The owners, and management of the park did an appauling job for Natie Swarts recent attempt, which resulted in him being bitten three times! - Granted, Natie made the silly mistakes of being bitten, but all three bites could have been avoided with more care and attention on his part, and there parts.

I have great respect for Martin Smit and his efforts, and I am really proud of him, that he did it, and came out in one piece.

While I do not subscribe to snake sit ins, due to animal cruelty (You're putting Naja annufilera with Bitis arietans....big mistake). I do not like the idea of encouraging cannibalism in a captive environment, regardless to whether it happens in the Bush or not. Naja annufilera are not strictly snake eaters, as are their Asian counterparts, O. hannah, so there is no need whatsoever to encourage them with other snakes they may be tempted to prey upon, including their own species.

If David recieves a bite, it will be one more nail in the coffin towards a worldwide ban of venomous snake keeping privately. and especially if he is unfortunate enough to pass following the bite. There are other ways to make money, without fulfilling egos, I'm sorry, but that is how I feel. - The guy has a family for goodness sake, if he is killed by a bite, then he will be leaving loved ones left behind.

While I do wish David well, and good luck, I think the risk he is taking is bizaar, and certainly not one that anybody should attempt.

Hi all I am sorry... Would like say little more but it is hard for me to express myself in English... Hope you guys understand.