Abused reptiles

[mpgt]

We need to find solutions to protect reptiles from the unbearable conditions they find themselves in as often as not. From stores to private collections, I think it's almost an epidemic.

I don't think the local "animal control" is an effective answer. They're not likely to have knowledge or sympathy for reptiles.

I have a few ideas, and hope we can come up with more. Tell me what you think we can all try as private citizens with limited resources and influence. I want to do something to make a difference, and I'm looking for advice from you, the experts.

1. Set up shelters.
2. Start a removal/rescue service.
3. Lobby for protective ordinances.
4. Start a reptile owner's club.
--Try to educate owners and develop a network.
5. Take reptiles to schools to familiarize children.
6. Get a job at Petco (or whatever store) and "fix" a store near you.

I imagine most of these options have pitfalls. If you have experience (or opinions-pro or con) with any of them, I'd like to hear it.

Thanks!!

[Johnny Utah]

Great ideas Joe. When I randomly meet reptile owners, I'm usually disgusted by the way their reptiles are kept.

[angelboa]

i love your ideas 2 i would love working at a reptile rescue!!

[Kobi Baby]

There have been so many times I've gone to PetCo and almost asked them if I could just come in every MWF and take care of the snake tank. I don't even want to get paid, I just want them to be in better conditions. But I don't know if they'd take too kindly to that. Think its worth a shot??

Also, I'd love to do the school thing!!!! That would be so awesome!!!! Sadly, I only have 1 snake, and kids may get bored with that very quickly. Maybe when I have more I can do afterschool expo's!!

[Kobi Baby]

Also, our local animal shelters don't harbor reptiles. I think I may go by there and give them my number to call me if people bring reptiles in.

[angelboa]

some of the shelters in this area take reptiles but not all later this school year im taking one of our boas to my daughters school i tuck him in to my sons preschool last year its amazing how meny people were mis informed about them. several of them thought he would be slimmy

[razeraze]

I think most of those will not work. All though I love the idea here are the complications.

Shelters in place are already over run and can not take in anymore reptiles. Opening individual ones take away from the large ones' public funding and donations. I am offered free reptiles almost monthly. I can not house all of them and setting up a rescue would mean I will have to compete with a rescue I donate to. It is better to volunteer time and money to existing reptile rescues, or herp societies.

Rescue and removal can be done buy cruelty officers if they are notified. They will ask you to go with if they do not know about proper care for the animals in question. Get a good camera phone and have evidence.

Legislation is the best idea so every idiot can not own reptiles with out proper knowledge.

Reptile clubs are nice as are sites like this, I refer people to books and websites as well as herp societies.

Education is another great idea, but it is not for everyone.

petco or other work places will fire you for trying to correct their problems or they will just stop carrying the reptiles because their sales are minimum compared to dog and cat merchandise. They will not justify setting things up properly that are not making them big money.

Your best bet is to call authorities and demand they take action, also help your local herp societies and rescues. Try adopting more reptiles and buying and selling less. Try to help individuals first and then think big.

[Revj0e]

Originally Posted by Kobi Baby

Also, our local animal shelters don't harbor reptiles. I think I may go by there and give them my number to call me if people bring reptiles in.

This kinda happend to me. My wife works down the street from the local shelter. They dont normally have reptiles, maybe an iguana here and tehre but mostly cats and dogs. Everytime the head of the shelter comes in, my wife asks if they have any exotics. So Ive become the unofficial reptile guy/exotic. We not have a boa from them (Kira) and 2 sugar gliders.

[ssjsmits]

I was just about to mention education as well.

When I lived back in wenatchee, there was a reptile house about an hour outside of town. It was a neat place. Nice cages and pretty animals, but they didn't do a great job cleaning them because there was just so many cages to get to at once. So I volunteered my Sundays to clean and feeding all the non venomous cages. Just by doing that, they were able to maintain a better standard for the venomous, turtles, crocs etc. Kinda fun. I miss doing that.

[Texas Rattlesnake]

We have a local herp society, which provides a reptile rescue operation in Jacksonville. Our reptile rescue operation works with local agencies to take in and adopt out animals. I hear that we are a model organization.