Tracy Brehm-Alden of Venomous Snake Research Center and Kimberly McWhorter of Animal Venom Research International on Time Warner Cable's the "Local Edition" show with Russ Williams, talking about this years High Desert Reptile Show, which was held in May. Find more about AVRI here!   Tracy Brehm of Venomous Snake Research Center and Kimberly McWhorter of Animal Venom Research International on Time Warner Cable's the "Local Edition" show with Wendy Williams, talking about last year's High Desert Reptile Show.     Venomous Snake Research Center's views on use of venomoid reptiles Venomous Snake Research Center or any affiliated organizations, do not endorse the use of venomoid snakes. Our primary goals of research and antivenom production rely on having our venomous specimens fully intact. To remove the venom glands from these snakes or modify them in any way would entirely defeat the purposes of our studies. In addition, we believe the practice to be unethical, risky to the health of the animals, potentially painful, stressful and inhumane. It is our belief that venomous reptiles should be handled with the utmost respect at all times and appreciated in their native form. Venomous reptiles are not domesticated animals, pets, or status symbols and should not be treated as such. Furthermore, there is no guarantee that all venomoid surgeries will be executed  properly, keeping snakes and handlers 100% safe. This may create a false sense of security when dealing with potentially lethal animals. As responsible herpetologists who have chosen to work with venomous reptiles, we need to adapt to their special needs, they should not be altered to fit ours.