Viral video of snake being run over by motorists raises questions about animal cruelty

A viral video showing a snake being repeatedly run over by several vehicles has raised questions about animal ethics and cruelty.

As reported on #KuyaKimAnoNa on “24 Oras” Friday, the snake met its death on the highway in Digos City, Davao del Sur.

After it was run over and backed up on by a van, the snake was seen writhing on the left side of the road.

A truck carrying what looked like metal sheets was also caught on video doing the same.

By the time the motorcycle riders following the truck went on to run over the snake, the animal’s blood had spilled to the ground.

The video taker said the snake on the highway was a king cobra or banakon.

As explained by Kuya Kim, the king cobra or banakon was one of the longest venomous snakes in existence. These snakes can measure up to 18 feet long and 3 feet tall in an upright position.

Their venom is also fatal and can kill a person within 30 minutes.

These snakes are easily irritated by noise and fast movement, and can crawl faster than humans can run.

While many residents have expressed their fear over the snake, experts and some internet users have expressed concern over the brutal killing of the animal.

“Nandoon yung insidente na tinatawag na human-wildlife conflict dahil na rin kasi ang mga tao nga nag-eencroach sa kanilang habitat,” said herpetologist Dr. Arvin C. Diesmos.

“In this particular video, is there cruelty dahil nga unti-unti siyang pinapatay? Then it’s possible that there’s cruelty in there,” said Atty. Heidi Marquez-Caguioa, program director of Animal Kingdom Foundation.

“Bawal din po iyan at may mga kaukulang penalty or kaparusahan na binibigay ang ating batas.” – RC, GMA News