A Feilding man who illegally smuggled a snake into New Zealand has been jailed.
The jungle carpet python, which was less than a year old, was put down after being seized by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry in March.
MAF says it believes the snake was imported from Australia.
Nathan Bush, 38, pleaded guilty to acquiring the animal and has been sentenced to four months in prison.
In sentencing, Judge Callander said the punishment is intended to denounce the behaviour and act as a deterrent to others.