Reptile & Amphibian Forums

There are a huge number of people that feel that these organizations work for the benefit of pet owners, but do not realize that they put the ownership of their herps at risk. As some of you might know, I work at a pet shop that is becoming more and more focused on our herp department, and are even planning on opening another store focused solely on exotic fish and reptiles. With every reptile we sell, we give out a file including a care sheet for the species, a list of common diseases/symptoms, and depending on the species, a list of edible plants, feeding schedules, a problem-feeder troubleshooter, and for snakes, complete feeding/shedding/measurement records. But I'd also like to include in the file an information sheet on the problems we herp lovers face with the HSUS, PETA, and other similar organizations, and recommend joining an organization that actually helps us, rather than hurt us (PIJAC?). Anyone with any ideas on what to say and other suggestions, feel free to send them to me. Any ideas on a sign or something to post around the reptile room would be appreciated too. Thanks!
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1.1 Albino Nelson's Milks
0.1 Dumeril's Boa
0.0.1 Albino Corn
0.1 Mex Mex
0.1 Northern Blue Tongue
0.0.1 Green Tree Frog
0.0.1 Cuban Tree Frog

Include some articles written by these people, and break them apart paragraph by paragraph stating what "facts" included are true, and which are false. Also, include litature about what these groups do. someone mentioned in the post below that more of their money goes towards putting down homeless animals than finding homes. They seem to put more effort into getting money than finding animals homes... makes you wonder where there money is going. You could even go as far as to find out how much money they raise anually, and break it down into exactly where it does go.
Also, I noticed in the acticle from the thread below that there is no way to contact this person. Also, there was a quote from a so and so spokesman, not an actual person. How are we to find out if this quote is true?
Last, I would try and figure out the motive of this group, as it obviously isn't about a postive pet trade. Find the motive, prove it, and show that it isn't in everyone's best interest.
Oh, one more thing, find out what their "public motive" is and propose a better way to solve it.
The end of the article basically says that everyone who has exotic pets does it to brag, feel better about themselves, or to be cool. I have a chameleon, and am going to be breeding chams, snakes and exotic birds for a living. Not because I'm cool. In fact i'm a geek, lol. Not because I want to brag. In fact, most of my friends thinks I'm nuts for wanting a snake. I do it because I am INTERESTED in animals, and I want to be surrouned by them. They are a hobby to me. Should be ban guitars b/c people only play them to be cool, to brag, or to feel important...???

I was talking to my dad, and he asked how many imported cars kill people each year, lol.
He seems to be against the importation of animals... but then says that all animals should be ban. What about the CB ones?

The people who really need all of this information are cat and dog owners, or for that matter all pet owners. One thing to keep in mind, is that cat and dog owners that don't know any better are a very large source of their income. The sooner they know the truth, the sooner they will know to stop supporting them. Carry out your plan, and also pass out this info at dog and cat shows, dog groomers, livestock shows, other pet stores, and encourage these people to pass out the same information. When you get this packet together I'd like to have some myself to pass out. HOW ABOUT THE REST OF YOU GUYS?
Take care.
Alan,

I would too, but i'm in canada.. i'm not sure how much help that would be. but if you need someone to help get some of theinfo together i have lot of time on my hands right now, just let me know!
~Lindsay

Actually, we do sell A LOT of dogs...many times up to 4-5 per day...so a quick talk to the boss could help out in that area. Each dog comes with a whole file and information packet, so it wouldn't be a problem to see if we can include something in it. We sell cats too, but not nearly as many...but again, they each come with a file, so we can add them in too. Thanks for your help. Looks like I've got a bit of looking to do.
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1.1 Albino Nelson's Milks
0.1 Dumeril's Boa
0.0.1 Albino Corn
0.1 Mex Mex
0.1 Northern Blue Tongue
0.0.1 Green Tree Frog
0.0.1 Cuban Tree Frog

I really doubt that anyone who would actually buy a dog or cat from a pet shop rather than adopting one that needs a home would belong to any of those groups. Most real animal lovers that I know won't even buy supplies from a store that sells cats or dogs. Obviously it's not the same with most herps as there are very few adoption resources.

PETA is not really a mainstream group anyway. They are huge proponents of veganism and they're always in the news with some weird fur protest. Having read the HSUS material, there is a lot of validity to what they say. Most reptile owners do not adequately care for their pets. Most reptile owners are like the mom who goes out and buys a little baby lizard for her 8 year old and has no idea about it. Most pet stores and dealers DO lie to their customers or don't know any better in the first place.

And even if the HSUS believes that I should not have a right to own my lizards because as a whole the exotic trade does more harm then good, well then that's okay by me because somebody has to be out there trying to be advocates for all those animals that are abused. I have very little concern that they will ever succeed in outlawing reptile ownership, and IMHO they get a lot done for animals in general. I for one will continue to support the Humane Society.

Erik

Go Noles!!!!!

PS I'm not trying to flame, I just wanted to put in my 2 cents.

Don't confuse HSUS with your local humane society. Your local humane society does try to find homes for homeless cats and dogs, yet HSUS does NOT benefit animals. Their name is a misnomer.

These are excerpts from the letter posted previously. the link is at the bottom of your page..

In regards to this quote:
"Having read the HSUS material, there is a lot of validity to what they say. "

No, Not Really. They have been proven time and time again to quote people out of context, misread data, use extraneous data in their report. They essentially are misinforming and lying to people. Their name is a perfect example as to confuse it with Local Humane Societies. Illegal..No.....Misleading..Definitely

If Pet stores and dealers lie, Its not on purpose. It is most likely because they were "misinformed" or did not know about various aspects . It is everyones job to educate everyone no matter what the subject. We as reptile owners attempt to do that through this site..

I doubt petstores and dealers lie as much as the way HSUS lies and misinforms the public about its intentions.

In regards to this quote:
"And even if the HSUS believes that I should not have a right to own my lizards because as a whole the exotic trade does more harm then good, well then that's okay by me because somebody has to be out there trying to be advocates for all those animals that are abused."

According to HSUS, YOU are abuser by harboring the animals. Thats how they define it.. You bought and harbor the animals. Tell HSUS that you are a member of their group and you own pet Lizards and see what they say.. do you think they will support you? HSUS is against ANY Pet ownership PERIOD. I don't believe HSUS supports or gives any money to any rescue organizations.. such as the "Real" Local Humane Societies".

In regarding this quote:
"Most reptile owners do not adequately care for their pets."

There is more than you think.. this website is proof of that..

HSUS is against ANY pet Ownership PERIOD!!!

.

Volunteer State . Fully half this hobby is baned in Tennessee . This includes ALL hots ( gila monsters too ) all turtle and tortoise species , all native collections and all dart frogs . Still think a ban is not going to happen ? It still could . Lets not keep our heads in the sand folks . BTW did you know the HSUS has joind forces with PETA ? Just a little tidbit for your 2 cents . I have more .

Kevin
NAROA

Hey Kevin. Walter "The Crook" Cook, hasn't stolen our right to keep gilas or darts yet, only venomous snakes. Currently a campaign is underway to unseat this piece of crap from office. Most of his own employees hate him as much as the citizens of this state. Later!

Hmmmm , some Tennessee herpers told me that darts and gilas where on the ban list . Could they have misunderstood ?. Good luck to all down there in getting Walter fired . This guy has no bussiness having this job .

Kevin
NAROA

The HSUS positions have been much the talk in VA. There are alot of dog and cat rescues that do not like the HSUS. The bummer sticker idea from below is a good idea.

Cindy

Thanks. Bumper stickers would probably be one of the quicker ways to inform those that are unaware.

I was kinda thinkin about starting a website called antipeta.com or something to that effect which shows the countless animals that they "save" that tragically die for whatever reasons. Dont really have the time to start it yet, but I hope to in the future.
TOM

Besides the negative, we need to see more positive stories about good owners, etc. The news seems to include the nuts (same with cat lady stories). I meet breeders who are serious about their reptiles going to people who will research and use a veterinarian. This is the stuff that needs to get into the news.