In the past two weeks, you have reported about the Ledbury man who wishes to exercise' his snakes in a public area and that one has now bitten him and been confined to its tank.

These snakes, being rat snakes, are the most popular pet snakes and originate from Eurasia and North America. They require a temperature range of 24-27 degrees Centigrade. Therefore, this man is risking his snakes' health unless he only takes them out during the rare times when the temperature is sufficient.

Snakes are also prone to catching mites which cause them to become unhappy and uncomfortable and require treatment. Taking them into open public areas increases the risk of infections.

Snakes bite for two reasons: as a response to a perceived food source or when feeling threatened. Most serious reptile owners will get bitten at some stage and it will be the owner's mistake, not the snake's fault. To take a reptile out into a public place which will place stress on an animal that can sometimes be unpredictable is ill advised.

Reptiles are all too often kept as a novelty. However, with responsible, knowledgeable ownership they make fabulous pets. We hope these snakes do not end up in one of the reptile rescue centres around the country.

Bronwen Williams and Gus Oliver, Holywell Road, Malvern Wells.