Reptile & Amphibian Forums

DAILY ECHO (Southampton, UK) 25 August 10 Dragon lizards were left to die in bin bags
A couple who dumped exotic reptiles in dustbin bag were tracked down after their fingerprints were found on the binliner.
The five bearded dragons were found in hedgerow after they were abandoned and left for dead by civil partners Andrew Bews-Foster, 40, and Rodney Bews-Foster, 44. The pair have now been told they could be banned from keeping animals for ten years after they admitted animal cruelty offences in court.
RSPCA prosecutor Matthew Knight told New Forest magistrates the couple had owned the reptiles, which required a special diet and an ultra-violet light source, for about two years.
When they appeared to be off their food and sluggish Andrew Bews-Foster believed them to be dead and dumped them in two New Forest District Council dustbin bags.
They were later found in a hedge in Whitsbury Road, Fordingbridge. One of the reptiles was dead, one died later and three survived, the court was told.
The Bews-Fosters were later identified by fingerprints on the refuse sacks.
The couple, who were living at Salisbury Road in Fordingbridge at the time of the offence in April both pleaded guilty to charges under the Animal Welfare Act of not providing five dragons with a suitable environment and to causing unnecessary suffering.
Defence solicitor Chris Gaiger said his clients were under the impression the animals were easy to keep and maintain.
They had bought a large vivarium for the dragons and fed them live locusts. He explained that the couple had moved them into the garage which was thought to be an appropriate location, but the reptiles deteriorated.
Sentencing was adjourned until September 3.
Chairman Ian Eccles warned the defendants to expect a “high level” community order and said he knew there was a veterinary practice within a few yards of the address the couple were sharing.
He added he would be looking to impose a ten-year disqualification from keeping animals.
Andrew Bews-Foster still lives in Salisbury Road but Rodney Bews-Foster now lives in nearby Park Road.
Dragon lizards were left to die in bin bags

Glad to hear these people were charged with animal cruelty and banned from keeping pets for 10 years. On checking the link to see the original article...I found the extra 'Bearded Dragon Facts' the publisher included weren't too great. Some ok info but also completely wrong info. Bearded dragons do not run on their hind legs to keep cool...I don't think they are even capable of running on their hind legs. I am pretty sure they are confusing bearded dragons with frilled dragons, which can run on their hind legs, but not to keep themselves cool. They do this as a last resort to escape predators should frilling up and bluff charging fail to discourage a potential predator. Really wish these publishers/editors do their own research before posting incorrect facts.
-----
PHLdyPayne

Forum Princess