A pet diamond python, Bread, was confiscated by New South Wales Police on Wednesday (July 20) after his owner showed it to fellow passengers on a Central Coast train.
According to police, concerned passengers called them from the train, saying they feared for the snake's safety.
Police caught up with the 20-year-old man at Woy Woy train station at 1am where they confiscated the python after the man told them he didn't have a permit for it.
"What we've got here is a gentleman who has actually produced a snake in a confined situation. It was on a train and if you think about it, if you put yourself in the shoes of someone who has a fear of snakes, that would be a terrifying situation," said Brisbane Water Police Commander Superintendent, Danny Sullivan.
The python was taken to the Australian Reptile Park in Somersby, 50 kilometres north of Sydney.
"One of the things we've been told by the Australian Reptile Park is the snake is actually in good condition. There's absolutely no issues of animal cruelty in this case, it's more about having a snake in public transport and then bringing it out to the fear of those that are on the transport," Sullivan said.
"Well, the first and foremost, one is, if you're going to possess protected fauna, just make sure you've got the appropriate permits and if I could give one piece of advice, don't get your snake out on a train," he added.
Police said the man was expected to be arrested for possessing and displaying a protected fauna which carries a penalty of AUD$300 ($225).
