Shoppers in a Dundee supermarket did a double-take on Sunday when a Douglas man decided to take his pet boa constrictor on a shopping trip.
Chaz Watson (46) strolled the aisles of Asda, Milton of Craigie, with five-year-old Gismo draped around his shoulders.
Cory Campbell, from Baxter Park, was in the store at the time and said he was taken aback by the unusual sight.
“I am absolutely terrified of snakes and there was this snake’s head just about two feet away from me,” he said.
Once other shoppers expressed concern, Mr Watson was asked to leave but he told The Courier afterwards that he couldn’t understand what all the fuss was about.
He said he bought Gismo in December and had previously owned another snake. After leaving Asda he went to buy compost at the nearby B&Q where, he said, he had no problem being served, with staff and customers appearing to be more curious than hostile.
“It’s a sunny day and snakes like the heat so I thought I’d bring him out with me,” he said. “I just went to do my shopping and was leaving Asda anyway when security came up to me.”
Mr Watson said he pointed out that the signs at the supermarket said dogs were not allowed and his pet is most certainly not a dog, adding: “I thought I’d test it to the limit.”
He said Gismo posed no danger to other shoppers.
“It will not go near anybody if it is around my neck. It is not a problem.”
The manager of Asda declined to comment.