Do you have Bieber Fever? Well, now’s your chance to get your hands on, well….his pet snake.
Johnson, Bieber’s baby boa constrictor, was introduced to the world at the MTV Video Music Awards back in August. Bieber is selling the snake to the highest bidder to raise money for Pencils of Promise, an organization that builds schools in developing nations, and one which the pop sensation has long supported.
Although the reptile is still a baby, he won’t stay small forever. “It’ll get, like, four feet. It’s gonna get big,” said Bieber.
The auction is being handled by charitybuzz, and is expected to bring in at least $1,000. But it raises an interesting question: is it okay to auction off an animal in order to raise money for a charity that helps children?
charitybuzz has put a disclaimer in the auction, stating that the winning bidder will be screened carefully before receiving the snake. Additionally, the site says, “Keeping a pet snake is a long term responsibility. Before making any decision about keeping one please ensure you have the money, space, knowledge, time, resources and enthusiasm required to properly care for the species you intend to keep, for the duration of it’s life…The welfare of this snake is the sole responsibility of the adopter. The adopter agrees to give the snake good care which includes quality premium food, fresh water, sanitation and grooming, clean and secure indoor housing, clean and secure outdoor housing and overall safety. Winner must sign a Personal Injury and Limited Liability release, and must guarantee necessary vet care will be provided.”
As for Bieber, he doesn’t seem to be quite the animal lover that we first thought. Not only is he selling Johnson, but remember that puppy he and girlfriend Selena Gomez adopted in Canada last month? Turns out that didn’t actually happen. According to Biebs, ”I didn’t adopt a dog, no. A friend of mine did. I don’t take credit for the dog. I don’t have anything to do with that dog.”
So, what do you think? Is this a nice fundraising gesture on the pop star’s part? Or is auctioning the snake a form of mistreatment? Is charitybuzz’s disclaimer enough to ensure that Johnson’s new owner will take proper care of him? Sound off!
About China DeSpain
China DeSpain is a San Antonio-based writer and blogger. She loves pop culture, animal rights, health and fitness, international travel, books and wigs. Follow China on Twitter: @ChinaDeSpainView all posts by China DeSpain →
-
http://herwinsvegancafe.blogspot.com/ herwin
