Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I was wondering if anyone here has ever lodged a formal complaint with the usda on pet stores that badly house their reptiles? A friend of mine just bought a wildcaught BP from a local pet store (although I really, really tried to explain to him why he shouldn't have.) The thing turned out to have a bunch of ticks embedded in its skin, and also might even have the beginning signs of mouthrot.
I went to the store with him to try getting a refund (which was denied; the manager said they had a 5-day policy and the friend noticed the ticks after about 7 days.) Their setups are horrendous; the balls are in a 20-g tank with no water in their bowl and a dirty paper towel on the cage floor.
Anyone know if there is any way I can contact someone to complain? I just can't sleep at night thinking of those bps in that horrible place.
It is in Buffao, NY.
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"One man's pet is another man's feeder."

The USDA only deals with non rat and mouse mammals. However, a petstore that bad couldn't have had its fuzzies in fantastic shape either.
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Eryx - All the fun of a boa in a convenient pocket size!

Maybe I could call the spca then. I am still surprised that in this day and age, such smarmy pet stores can exist. it's frrom dumb people who go in and support them, I guess.
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"One man's pet is another man's feeder."

Pet Trade Problems
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Rob Talkington

You might try contacting your local ASPCA, Better Business Bureau, and Chamber of Commerce. They may be able to tell you how to file a complaint against a business.

that are not involved in these areas. Even more disturbing is the civilian groups formed for the protection of animals that will not lift a finger in a reptile issue.
The one beauty of an inhumane pet store is it generally has mammals that are being mistreated. That will get folks off their butts to help.The other area to consider is the sanitation of the facility. This can often get a place inspected and shut down for the public health issues.
So anyway, with those things considered find out who issues the pet store license in NY. Most states now have the DNR or fish and wild life department involved in this area. This would be the agency to contact with the problem. Also consider that any state or local law enforcement is responsible to act on a complaint of the broken(if you will)law. Find the agency you feel will give you the best results. Be specific and show them you are expecting to see the follow up.
NY is a little vague but can be worked for your purposes, focus on deprives of sustainance, food,water. And torture,the torture being temps, humidity multiple caging and so on are of creating a torturous environment. Good luck,
Sizzel
In your state the animal cruelty law is:
New York

N.Y. AGRIC. & MKTS LAW §§ 350 et seq. -- last amended 1985

Definition of Animal: Every living creature except a human being.

Statute Summary: A person commits the crime of cruelty to animals if the person:

Overdrives, overloads, deprives of necessary sustenance, food, or drink, abandons, carries in a cruel manner, poisons, tortures, cruelly beats or unjustifiably injures, maims, mutilates or kills any animal. With no justifiable purpose, intentionally kills or intentionally causes serious physical injury to a companion animal.

Cruelty to animals.
Misdemeanor.
Fine up to $1000.
Imprisonment up to 1 year.
Aggravated cruelty to animals.
Felony.
Fine up to $5000.
Imprisonment up to 2 years.
Forfeiture of Animal/Seizure: Both

Other Sentencing Provisions: Cost of care.

Exemptions: Hunting, research, protection of persons.

thank you so much! Believe me, this is not the end of this.
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"One man's pet is another man's feeder."

some road blocks please post them. We might have a remedy to remove those blocks.
Take Care.
Sizzel