It is popular amongst those who keep “hot” venomous reptiles to speak out against those who choose to keep venomous reptiles that have been made “venomoid” (lacking the ability to deliver venom due to surgical alteration). There are two primary types of surgery that are performed. An "adenectomy" entails the surgical removal of the entire venom gland and is the surgery of choice for elapids. A slightly different version, called "oral adenectomy" can be used with Viperids. An oral adenectomy involves removing the venom glands from inside the mouth of a snake to minimize visible external scarring. The second type of procedure used is called a "ductectomy". This entails locating and removing a small section of the duct that delivers the venom from the gland to the fang. Once the connection is cut, both ends of the remaining duct are cauterized, and the incision sutured carefully. The arguments against surgical alteration are often made in pejorative language and in an attacking manner. We support the opportunity to have different opinions, but we are against the attack. Here is where we stand on the issue of venomoid animals.
Responsible keepers who maintain healthy venomoid animals are doing good for the hobby and good for snakes in general. The assumption here is that the surgery was performed in a responsible and humane manner by someone who was appropriately skilled. Anything less than that is no more appropriate than is keeping any reptile in filthy conditions that puts its health at risk, or the keeping of giant constrictors or iguanas in unsafe and inhumane conditions by unskilled keepers who lack the knowledge to properly care for them, or the keeping of "hot" reptiles by people who are inexperienced and unskilled and don't have their own supplies of antivenin on hand should the need arise.
Spaying and neutering dogs and cats, "debarking" dogs, cropping dogs ears and bobbing their tails, removal of dew claws in some breeds of dogs, removing cats' nails, cutting out the tear ducts (instead of the more expensive option of repairing them) in some breeds of dogs (e.g., bulldogs, mastiffs, etc.) - these are all practices that are conducted for the convenience of humans and do not serve the interests of the individual animals involved. Descenting pet skunks and pet ferrets doesn't help the individual animal, but is done solely for the benefit of their human keepers. The same is true for removing the claws and canines of pet coatimundis. If you eat veal (primarily male calves) or foie gras (duck liver), it can be argued that you support the inhumane keeping of animals for your own pleasure.
A lengthy and thoughtful article on the issue of venomoids, entitled Venomoids: An Overview, is worth reading for all who are interested in this topic.
If you are a fan of venomous reptiles and you have a need to rage against something, direct your anger at the people and organizations that sponsor rattlesnake roundups in Alabama, Georgia, Kansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania and Texas. If your intention is to be a defender of venomous reptiles, ridding us of these barbaric “celebrations” would be alot better use of your time and energy.