A Sacramento man has been taken into custody for allegedly taking big bites out a pet python, which was reported recovering after surgery.
David Elmer Senk, 54, was booked into Sacramento County Jail on suspicion of unlawfully maiming/mutilating a reptile. Bail was set at $10,000.
Sacramento police were called to the 3600 block of Marysville Boulevard in Del Paso Heights about 6:30 p.m. Thursday on a call about a man who had been assaulted and was not responsive. When they arrived, they found Senk.
While speaking with Senk (photo below), a citizen got the officers' attention and told them that Senk had just taken two large bites out of their small live python. Animal control was called to the scene and Senk was taken to jail. The snake was not in good condition when handed over to animal control officers, police said.
However, she was reported on the mend today.
"She's doing well," said Gina E. Knepp, acting animal care services manager for the City of Sacramento. "We did surgery on her last night and I think we saved her life."
The snake is being treated after receiving stitches. The python lost a couple of ribs, Knepp said.
The snake is drinking a lot of water and receiving antibiotics.
Police said that Senk was "an acquaintance" of the snake owner. Senk allegedly asked to hold the snake and then bit into the repitile twice.
Photos of snake courtesy of Gina E. Knepp/City of Sacramento.
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