School's out for snake handler

A well known Melbourne reptile enthusiast is staging a last ditch bid to keep his controversial snake school open for business.

For eight years, Raymond Hoser, better known as the 'Snakebuster', has performed at schools and shopping centres.

But this week, the 'Snakebusters' show has been bitten back, with VCAT upholding a Government decision to cancel Mr Hoser's wildlife demonstrator licence.

It has cited lack of safety barriers and safe cages, and allowing the public to hold snakes, which Mr Hoser claims have been specially de-venomised.

"Instead of looking after the environment and education, they have simply declared war on a successful green enterprise," he told 7News.

In a statement, the Government said: "It's a privilege to hold a wildlife licence, and with this brings duties and responsibilities."

A spokesperson for Centro Box Hill Shopping Centre said they stopped using the 'Snakeman' because of his unprofessional manner.

Mr Hoser hit the headlines last year after allowing a death adder to bite his daughter, Adelyn, in front of a shopping centre audience.

He defended using his daughter as a prop to prove his deadly reptiles were not dangerous, and insisted he would do it again.

There are 39 other licenced demonstrators in Victoria, but that is little comfort for Mr Hoser and the future of his 90 scaly pets.

A spokesperson for the Environment Minister Ryan Smith said VCAT's decision is final.

Mr Hoser is director of reptile education company Snakebusters.