So last night my buddy and I were walking around Garden State Plaza (in Jersey, for those that aren't familiar), and we ended up wandering into this pet store. Much to my surprise, they actually had a 'reptile' section which is becoming increasingly rare in Jersey anyway. So I walk over so see what they've got, and what I saw nearly killed me. There were various lizards and geckos (and since I don't know much about them, I couldn't tell you if their setup was bad or good), and a few snakes. The setups for these poor snakes was appalling!! In one cage, which was roughly 8"x14", they had a tiny little BCI and a ball python (young adult). Both of them cramped in this cage, with everywhere and no hides at all. And the ball (this almost killed me) had skin legions in 3 or 4 spots along it's spine. Their water was filthy. Next to them was a ball python in a similarly sized cage, again with no hide and a dirty water bowl... and several crickets! CRICKETS!! Now unless there is some other function for crickets that i'm not aware of, I think they were actually feeding a ball bython (and this was no neo-nate) crickets... I couldn't believe it. I've seen pet shops that weren't the greatest at taking care of their animals... but this was sickening. And what's worse is that when somebody finally buys one, they're going to get an animal that is absolutely out of its mind because of all the damn little kids tapping on the glass and stuff. I almost went on a killling spree. But that wouldn't get much done.

Then I had a thought. I wanted to post the story here and ask if anybody knows of an organization that I can call or write to about this to try and fix the situation. I know it's unlikely, but I should at least TRY to do something. I would just take them in myself, but I don't own my own place, so I don't have the room (or the budget for that matter) to care for 4 more snakes. Thanks for hearing me out!

Jord
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0.1 BCI- Pheobe

I find Pheobe to be the most agreeable female I have ever come across. Dinner is cheap, she never wants to eat out, she can't talk, she's deaf and she doesn't care if I see other women. :P

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