Australian Snake Owner Slapped with Hefty Fine for Surfing with Pet Python

Earlier this month, we reported that an Australian man had been surfing with his pet python named Shiva.

The two were regulars in the lineup at Rainbow Bay on the Gold Coast.

Now, Shiva's owner, Higor Fiuza, has been slapped with a pretty steep fine by Australian wildlife officials. But the fine wasn't actually for surfing— instead, the devil was in the details.

9News Australia reported that Fiuza was fined $2,322 AUD, or $1,494 USD, last Thursday not for taking her surfing—but for taking her out in public.

In fact, Fiuza does hold the correct permit Australia requires owners of pythons like Shiva to have.

But here's the pricey catch—he isn't allowed to take her from his licensed premises without a special permit.

According to 9News, Department of Environment and Science Senior Wildlife Officer Jonathan McDonald said in a statement:

"The man was brought to our attention when he appeared in local media taking his python into the surf."

"We do not want permit holders to be displaying their native animals in public unless it is done for a specific approved purpose and in a way that best provides for the welfare of the animal, the safety of the public and complies with the relevant codes.

"Taking native pets out in public can cause the animals unnecessary stress, and they can behave in an unpredictable way when they are removed from their enclosures."

McDonald said the department was concerned for the welfare of the snake.

Fiuza previously said the felt confident that Shiva enjoyed surfing because when she's "annoyed with something, she hisses. But she never hisses in the water, she just goes along for the ride."

"She goes for a swim a little bit and then comes back to the board," Fiuza said in early September. "She's just cruising waiting for the wave, for the perfect wave."

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