The recent Zebra Cobra escape in North Raleigh highlights the need to improve our laws governing what kinds of pets are allowed. 

In this case the owner of this dangerous snake, a highly venomous snake that is capable of spitting venom 9', has been bitten before and had to be flown for emergency treatment. In this case, despite the need to keep these types of animals in inescapable enclosures, the owner, who has dozens of these snakes, has been seen in the neighborhood playing with them in his yard, which is hardly contained.

We have governance rules for a reason. We don't allow people to bring salami home from Italy for good agricultural protection reasons. Yet somehow these dangerous animals are being brought here somehow. We react when a dog bites to separate the dog (sometimes too much so). Yet when these exotic and dangerous animals bite, nothing happens.  

The better question is why are they here in the first place? People who are enthusiasts for these animals can work at or volunteer at zoos or other facilities where animals like this can be cared for and secured properly.