PETA Statement: ‘War on Pythons’

For Immediate Release:
August 8, 2019

Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382

In response to Gov. Ron DeSantis’ announcement of increased efforts to kill Burmese pythons—including annual “Python Challenge” killing contests—PETA is asking the governor to ensure that the animals are killed humanely.

Please see the following statement from PETA President Ingrid Newkirk:

We realize that something must be done to fix the exotic-pet trade’s mistake, but the true test of a civilization is whether it can solve its problems humanely. PETA is calling on Gov. Ron DeSantis to ensure the requirement of special methods necessary for the humane killing of these animals who have ended up in Florida’s swamps through no fault of their own.

PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to abuse in any way”—opposes speciesism, a human-supremacist worldview. For more information, please visit PETA.org.