I just have a few comments to add since you had to know this would start some discussion.

First, I'll openly say that I do collect and breed leopard geckos, but I also have bearded dragons, chameleons, and an iguana, all of which are pets instead of breeding animals.

I do agree with the point that animals should not be kept in a "jail" or "prison", however, when is it a jail and not a mansion? Obviously an adult leo in a 5.5 plastic kritter keeper or whatever they are is not appropriate. But what about the two leos that have a 40 Breeder with all of their demands met, a natural looking habitat and then some? I would say that it's not a jail by any means.

As for Snarks remarks, I agree completely. I think it is great for kids to interact with animals. You would not beleive the number of heads I turn walking down the street with my Iguana, or the remarks I get when talking about my leos. Some people are creeped out by anything small that moves, but the majority of them are extremely interested and want to know more about them. I think just the exposure of reptiles in the US, especially in the city and schools, is a great learning process for everyone involved, and as long as the leos are kept in a humane and healthy living environment, I have no problem with keeping in captivity.

It's no different than the Cat I have.. it is confined to the house, is this a "jail" or inhumane? No, because it is loved and has every need it could want. Occassionally he goes outside, as do a few of my other lizards and some just get to roam around the room.

I think as long as it's done properly and the animals are well cared for, captivity is not an issue. It can only educate people who may one day get to see the animals in the wild and have an all new respect for them. Lord knows how much I've learned about leos in my few years now. I do think that most pet stores have jails for animals (especially reptiles) and I do beleive that to be wrong.

I think that's all I got for now... I apologize if I repeated myself or anything..I'm no english major. =)
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Brian Skibinski
Milwaukee Reptiles
Brian@MilwaukeeReptiles.com

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