Dog-Eating Python Strikes Again in Australian City

Updated: Thursday, 11 Mar 2010, 3:58 PM EST
Published : Thursday, 11 Mar 2010, 3:55 PM EST

By Daniel Bateman

(The Cairns Post) - A 10-foot python that swallowed a family's pet dog in Cairns, Australia, has struck again, attempting to devour a Chihuahua, The Cairns Post reported in its Friday edition.

But this time, the dog's owner was able to prevent the animal from becoming dinner, dragging it out of the snake's mouth.

Australian Venom Zoo operator Stuart Douglas was called to remove the python, keeping it temporarily at his zoo before releasing it into the wild at a secret location well away from domestic animals.

The same snake had stalked and eaten Dot, a nine-month-old Jack Russell terrier, while she was playing in her backyard the week before Christmas.

Dot's owner, Keri Stewart, said the serpent had stalked her beloved pet before consuming it whole.

"I had come home and let Dot out as usual (into the backyard) to do her business," she said.

"I went out an hour and a half later and came across this massive big amethystine python, with a big lump in it."

Stewart said she had become so distressed over the incident she had moved out of her home to get away from the snake.

"I couldn't take the risk with my 11-year-old son in the house," she said.

The incident follows a report of a scrub python, also known as an amethystine python, devouring a 77-pound pet goat in nearby Kuranda two weeks ago.

From: http://www.myfoxny.com/dpps/news/dpgonc-dog-eating-python-srikes-again-in-australian-city-fc-20100311_6519545