Two brothers denied cruelty to two snakes they were displaying to crowds on Brighton seafront when they appeared before the town's magistrates.
Gary Sommerford, 33, of Westbrook Way, Southwick, and Michael Sommerford, 38, of New Ash Green, Kent, are both being prosecuted by the RSPCA.
Gary Sommerford denied two offences and Michael Sommerford six offences.
They are alleged to have caused unnecessary suffering to the pythons between May and July last year by failing to provide proper care.
They are said to have failed to treat a mite infestation which both snakes suffered from and also to have transported them while unfit and displayed them in an unfit manner on the seafront.
The case was adjourned until January 27.
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