Reptile & Amphibian Forums

if you are around the Uro forum, you might no the story by now, but a bachelor (recently divorced) down my street has a had some sort of what I believe to be Uromastyx (haven't seen it yet, heard about it from my dad). Apparently, from what I've heard, the guy keeps it in a dirty ten gallon aquarium with no top or lights and old and new food all over inside. The Uro itself has what sounds like a skin infection. I would think that they guy must at least have the lighting for it, since he bought it all at a local reptile place, but why wouldn't he use them? He said he also has a larger tank that he hasn't used yet. Why? I think my dad quoted him saying something like "I just don't have the time for it".

What should I do. I'm considering taking it in, but I know it has at least a skin infection which means a trip to the vet and meds...plus whatever else the vet may find. Plus I'd need to invest in a suitable setup for him (the guy said I could have the big tank). I jsut don't have the money for the vet bills though. I'm thinking about talking to him and seeing if he can throw some money in for the vet, since it's his fault the reptile is in such bad shape. I still have to go look at the poor thing and see if there's anything else wrong. My dad said it was moving around a lot.

I'm not quite sure what to do. I would love to take him/her in and treat her, but like I said, lack of money. Maybe I could take donations from people?

Any ideas would be great.

Thanks in advance.

I think I would recommend taking it right away. Just explain the situation to the vet (I'm sure you know a qualified one in your area.) The vet's main concern would hopefully be for the animal, and may be willing to let you make some payments.

If you really don't think you can care for it you might consider calling one of the zoos in your area and see if they're interested. Reptiles are a large drain on the pocket book but even though you'd probably do a better job taking care of it than this guy is apparently doing, they desearve the optimal living conditions. Too bad this guy didn't consider the animals needs before he got it. I would definately "rescue" this animal before it's too late. But check around and you may be able to find a more addiquately funded home for it.

Really, the only thing slowing me down is I need to figure out a time when he's home so I can go over and have a talk with him about it and figure out how bad it is (I haven't seen his truck in the driveway since my dad talked to him, but it's way down the street so I wasn't able to check a lot). I want to get it out of his house and into my house as soon as possible. It's probably going to be hard to get my mom to understand why he needs to come live with us (even if it's only temporarily, though if he does he'll probably stay), and why we need to get him to a vet. She fell in love with Sidney (my beardie) quick, so she should be able to understand why I feel so strongly about this.

I'm going to hope he's there tomorrow. Right now it's 10:40pm where I am.

to get it the care it needs, contact a rescue and let them have it, thats what they do and they are equipt with the knowledge and Vets to care for them.
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you may also want to talk to the local aspca and tell them about the "Money for the vet" and see if they can help with the vet stuff. figure that if you were not willing to take the reptile then they would be called to care for it and have to take on the costs. by your goodwill in pre-adopting and taking on much of the cost then it's good for them to help you and they can use the pr. value of helping.

also I'd ask the current owner to sign a paper giving you ownership with a short desription of why it's done and your stating that you are not going to sell the animal etc...

that way he can't come back later and say otherwise.

does not have to accuse him, does not have to be nasty just a simple:
I do not have time for this so this person is now the owner.

when you get him take photos of everything you see and get avet report on all problems... save it all in a file folder and have the vet's report noterized.

this is CYA for you.
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