Perhaps not, but attention is what he was/is after. Had he been charged, it would have likely been printed in various media sources. Would that have been enough attention for him? Probably not... but... would have, should have, could have... we will never know what would have happened (or what may never have happened)
I doubt that animal cruelty charges and a fine would have had much of an impact on anyone. It would have read in the court docket that he fed his python a kitten and some people - without hearing the details - wouldn't see that as a serious problem. He would have had his wrists slapped and the news would have continued to focus on the student protests (that have lasted more than 100 days).