Originally published as a column on CFJC Today Kamloops and Armchair Mayor News on June 29, 2020.

Snakes near playgrounds, dead dogs on airplanes, horrendous puppy mills, exotic pets that should never be owned by anyone other than Mother Nature – welcome to the dark side of pet ownership.

The latest story was the snake spotted in Coquitlam near a playground a few days ago. Luckily, no one was hurt and the snake was apprehended.

That’s not always the case with escaped exotic pets.