Reptile & Amphibian Forums

For a long time there has been a Petstore (Petlovers ironically) in a neighbouring city that practices disturbing care of their exotics. The chameleons they sell are paticularily mistreated.

I've seen a gravid veiled female in a small glass Exoterra cage, right beside a male of another species (no seperator). He was gaping at her, and she seemed to have troubles laying her eggs according to an attendant there (I wonder why...)

There was recently 3 different chamelons of various species (I think Veileds and a Madagascan Chameleon) in one of those glass cages. Standing water. Poor coloration. One of the veileds was deep black with sunken eyes, on the floor of the cage.

It is not ony the chameleons that seem to be mistreated. There was a glass tank FULL of lizards of varying climate requirements.
Turtles, waterdragons, skinks, bearded dragons, and iguanas all in the same damn cage!

I know Petstores get away with this kind of abuse all the time. They have limited space and they care more about monetary gains than they do selling healthy pets.

The problem is, it isnt outright violent abuse, and the cuddly puppies and kittens in th store look fine. I doubt that contacting a humane society would really have any affect.

Most people will suggest boycotting the store, but that only does so much.

If anyone has any advice as to actions I can take/people I can write or report to, I would be thankful. I am located in British Columbia, Canada.

Reporting to the local SPCA (or is it SCPA?) could help. Local herp clubs may also have suggestions. You can also try talking to the store owner/manager and explain how the current care of the animals is inappropriate and outright deadly. Show them caresheets of each species and explain why they should be housed separately from other species etc. Ignorance may be the only reason why the reptiles are in such bad health and care.

You can talk to your local humane society and ask what they do with reptiles they get or hear are in bad shape and need of loving care. They may have a local reptile rescue or other organization to go to for the care of exotics. Check your newspaper and see what animal rights groups are there, for proper care and treatment of exotics as well as the common cat and dogs.

i think i know which pet store you are refering to

i have been the female chameleon you talked about, and i really wanted to buy her home because they treated her very badly... and it breaks my heart everytime i see that.

i am not sure if they are still selling reptiles now, because i no longer go there. pet stores like that should be banned permantly.

It seems most petstores dont know or dont care how to properly care for the animals in their care. And it leads to new owners repeating bad examples. Trying to educate the store owners and empoloyees cant hurt, if you think it's just a lack of knowledge instead of evil easy business-first mentality.I agree with reporting to local humane society / SPCA, though there's only so much they can do. You can also report to the better business branch.