A one-year-old is forced to fight a neutered cobra during a shocking snake-charming rite of passage in India.
The baby tries to protect itslef while being repeatedly hit by the animal, which has also had its mouth stitched up and its fangs removed.
This bizarre spectator sport – reportedly from Kasimkota in Andhra Pradesh – has been condemned by animal rights protesters after footage appeared on the internet.
They’ve warned that a cobra’s fangs grow back quickly, putting the youngsters in mortal danger.
Several snake charmers die each year while handling the animals.
(Thanks Jess!)