Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am still collecting info on carnivals that have been giving iguanas and turtles and other animals as prizes. I am especially interested in carnivals in VA.

Please contact me if you know of any.

Cindy

James City County, Gloucester County, Louisa County, Prince William, Warren County, Greene County and Clarke County all have fairs this weekend. Have your eyes and ears open for any news of live animals as prizes at these fairs.

Cindy

>>I am still collecting info on carnivals that have been giving iguanas and turtles and other animals as prizes. I am especially interested in carnivals in VA.
>>
>>Please contact me if you know of any.
>>
>>Cindy

Found out monday that Thursday-Saturday my local fair had carnies giving them out as prizes (imagine my joy with the level of calls I am currently getting of kids going to college) but once Fair officials found out about it, they stopped it. Unsure of how many had gone out. This was in Milwaukee WI
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Cindy
PHFaust
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I saw in the news that the WI State Fair stopped it. Great! I am glad to see a fair do this voluntarily.

>>I saw in the news that the WI State Fair stopped it. Great! I am glad to see a fair do this voluntarily.

You are correct ma'am! The fair officials stopped the practice as soon as they found out about it.

I have a feeling that one of the fair exhibitors had something to do about it. Several years ago after not going for years my hubby and I attended. We saw this trailer/tent with a gator on top and advertised seeing reptiles. Well being me (and you would have done the same) I prepped myself for the horrid condition of these animals and pulled out my admission fee. As I approched I saw one of the most BEAUTIFUL Cycluras I have ever seen. I think it is an adult male lewisii/caymenensis hybrid but cant remember for sure. This animal is a Sexay beast of a boy. Robust, healthy alert and NOT TOUCHED! As I proceed to the entrance, I hear the schpeel. "The animals that you will see inside are not your average pet. Many of these reptiles do not make good beginner pets and are ment for experienced keepers. Please do not rush out and try to buy a reptile with out researching first. These animals are not like cats and dogs and each requires specialized care". I lift an eyebrow and pay my 2 or 3 bucks. Wander in. All animals are kept in clean enclosures. All are in a rack display set up. All looked EXTREMELY healthy. All were alert. All had water. All had hiding spots. It was BEAUTIFUL!

On my way out I approached the owner and pulled him aside. I introduced myself and thanked him. Thanked him for giving good info and doing a wonderful display. Thanked him for having such healthy animals.

None the less he was at the fair again this year (as he has been ever since) and every year I pay my admission and go and look at those healthy common animals. I correct peoples beliefs when I am in there on the animals I have or the ones I know about. And I urge people to respect these animals as they would a dog or a cat. And every year i blow that cyclura kisses!

But to make a long story short, my guess is that he complained about it to the folks at the fair and they actually stopped the practice. From what I understand it is an illegal practice in my county already so Im unsure as to if the carnies were fined or not. I can see what else I can find out.
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Cindy
PHFaust
Email Cindy
Land of the Outcasts!