Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I went into a feed/grain/fish store today to look at some
new aquariums for my aquatic turtles.

In a very small dirty tank was a bearded dragon. No lights
or anything. There were crickets everywhere in with him.
He just stood in one spot and didn't move. Of course I had
to pick him up and his poor body was ice cold. He was also
on the thin side with some baggy skin. The owner of the store
said he had been there about 3 years and was for sale. He
wanted $150 for him. It took everything I had to turn and
leave without him. Now I have been thinking about him alot.
I just really can't take on anything else. My husband would
kill me! I know that taking him out of there will most likely
just result in another being put in his place but I feel so
bad for him. I have always liked beardies but did not want
to deal with live food. Also, if I do add another reptile,
I really like the uromastyx.

I feel so guilty about not buying him but my husband says
I can't take in every one of them that needs a home.

Just wanted to vent!
Thanks
Linda

Go back and raise a stink about him! Most pet shop owbers in the face of having to seal with the ASPCA they will fork over the animal and things to care for him OR they will set him up properly. Go in with a camera or a cam corder and take pics of him. Send them to the local humane sciety and ag dept and tell them you want the animals. IF they call the police file animal abuse charges on them and tell the cops you will house the animal until its fate is decided.
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Heather, Vern, Andy, Router, April And OODLES of fish

I feel your pain. Resisting the temptation to rescue a herp under improper care, by taking it under your wing, is one of the hardest things in the world to do.

But there are alternatives. You could go to the ASPCA or local humane society about it, but I'm afraid you won't get much of a committment from either to do anything. If it were a cute little puppy or kitten or bunny rabbit, they'd jump on it. But probably not for a lizard. Likewise, law enforcement may turn a deaf ear. You could be persistent with them, though, because this IS a case of animal cruelty and a violation of the law, IMHO.

I think as a first step, you should go back to the place and investigate why they're not providing proper husbandry. More than likely it's simple ignorance. If you tell them what's wrong with this picture and how to fix it, they might fix it. If not, that's when you go for reinforcements and let them know they could get in trouble if they don't rectify the situation.

Is there a local herp society in your area? How about the state wildlife department? Another per store in the area that specializes in herps? I'd go to one or more of those before contacting the ASPCA or local HS.

One last thing: $150 seems high, even for a healthy bearded dragon. I don't have beardies, so I checked the classifieds. It seems that some of the color morphs are up in that price range, but there are plenty out there for a fraction of that.

I know, this is an iguana forum and we're talking about beardies. But I think we all can relate to your situation and want to help. I hope this does.
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MichaelB

Ditto to what Heather and Michael said-make a stink. If you purchase him to rescue him, that just brings another reptile into his place. Print out proper care info, talk to the manager, keep insisting they fix it,etc..plus $150 does seem high so dont give in. good luck
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Sarah

I agree with your husband...you CANNOT take everyone in that needs a better home...you can take what you have time for and what you can fit in your house.

But that doesn't mean you can't go to your local humane society or animal cruelty agency and complain until they go out there to confiscate the poor animal or in some cases if the agency does not know anything about the animal you might have to present proof of how they SHOULD be kept...then often they offer the "complainer" a choice if they would like the animal for themselves...of course they usually charge a fee but it wouldn't be 150 bucks.

Either way I'd complain to the store, your local agencies and everyone who shops there. Although usually this route gets you banned from the store...as in my case.

Hope things work out.
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Chris Vanderwees

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i know how you feel. in a pet store near where i live their is a uromastyx. i noticed they always have crickets in her cage. and no veggies or seeds or beans. uromastyx are mainly herbivors. they should only have crickets as a snack. and they alway have a bowl of water in the cage with her. which can make the humidity to high , and cause respiratory problems. uros cant take much humidity. i plan on buying her (if she is still there) when i can come up with the money to get everything she needs. she cost 80 bucks plus i need a cage and heating system.
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brandy

beardies can be fed pellets instead of crix. i think you should go back and save the poor thing, he dosnt deserve to live in that place. you should sue the store.

I think I will drop off some information on Beardies. I
don't think it is a lack of education on his part. I really
just don't think he cares. He also has a 6" RES in a 10
gallon aquarium.

I don't know, as I said, I haven't decided my course of
action as of yet. This kind of neglect just makes me
sick!

Linda