Rome city police have raided a pub in the Prati area of the city and have taken away the first prize in a raffle which was being organised by the owner of the bar. The prize, a regal python, the largest of the python species, was on display in a cage in the bar and the draw was due to take place at the end of the month.

A recently passed Rome city law has made it illegal for any animal, bird or fish to be given as a prize in a raffle or a competition. When word reached the local authorities that a snake was being offered as a raffle prize the police went along with a vet from the city zoo ( Bioparco) to investigate. The python has been taken into quarantine at the Bioparco and following this will be put on display in the reptile house.