Snakes 'R' Us: The Venemous Reptile Home

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Madison Manor is typically a quiet neighborhood area of Arlington County, unless a member of the reptile family from one residents house manages to break free.

Peter T. Nguyen has lived in Madison Manor for five years, with a collection of snakes any herpetologist would salivate over, all of which tend to be deadly venomous varieties. Although there have been reports of, and complaints related to exotic reptiles loose in the neighborhood, Nguyen has denied responsibility for them, and denied the snakes are from his collection. Such as the exotic snake which a four year old neighbor nearly ran over on the sidewalk last week with her doll stroller.

The County Board passed a resolution unanimously declaring it illegal to keep venomous snakes for any purpose within the County limits.

A plumber who was called to fix a leaky hot tub showed up unannounced, spotted the remains of more than twenty dead snakes and called authorities which led to a peaceful standoff when Nguyen refused to allow the Sheriff and Animal Control Officers entry to the home. The officers had to content themselves with peering into the garage where the snakes are kept with a scope. The incident prompted the action by the County Board to have all venomous snakes removed from the county.

Nguyen has already begun moving the snakes and has promised the officials can inspect his home when they want to.

Neighbors like these can put a crimp in the Block Party's.