Posted by:
rugbyman2000
at Thu Aug 18 13:58:27 2005 [ Email Message ] [ Show All Posts by rugbyman2000 ]
We run a nonprofit reptile rescue, so we see a lot of sad stories. Recently we've had in a lot of hurting herps, like a deformed Sulcatta Tortoise that some kid was trying to trade for a six pack of beer, and a savannah monitor who's skin was literally bubbling off because it was being kept only a couple inches away from a giant flood lamp and it had no way to get away from the light. The other day though we had something that surprised even me.
8 AM the doorbell rings, even though I wasn't expecting anyone. It was the mailman with two packages, even though I wasn't expecting any packages. Inside I found NINE beardies, everyone last one of which was mangled up in one way or another. Seven were missing one, two, or three feet (not toes mind you, entire FEET). The two with all four feet had lame legs. A bunch had lost tail tips.
There was no note or anything. I searched the internet for a phone number to match the name and return address on the lable, but nothing turned up. It was either a fake name or unlisted. The packages had been sent two-day mail and luckily I was home when they got here. Had we been on vacation the animals certainly would have died.
My first thought is that these came from somebody who tried to rescue them. The more we noticed the amputated feet though, the more strange it all seemed. One, two, or three feet were missing on seven beardies. Not just toes, entire feet were gone, up past the ankle, with arms or legs just ending in nubs. The remaining feet were mostly in perfect condition, toe nails intact and all. With some feet completely gone, and others completely perfect, we had to wonder if these guys had been victims of mutilation.
Aside from their legs, they all seemed to be suffering general health problems. They probably all had differing ammounts of MBD and parasites. This was a sad day for us. Almost immediately folks in our rescue network offered to take in some of the beardies, but I still have to wonder where they came from, and who would do something like that.
I have pictures, but have never posted pics on here before so I'm not sure how to. Can anyone explain that part to me? If I can figure out how to do it I'll post some pics of the nine. Thanks.
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Jesse Rothacker
Forgotten Friend Reptile Sanctuary
www.forgottenfriend.org
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 9 abused beardies show up on my front door - rugbyman2000, Thu Aug 18 13:58:27 2005
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