Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I remember you saying:
"The real reason why our hobby is going right down the drain is that we have too many IRRESPONSIBLE, uneducated and just dead beat hobbyists who are killing it for the responsible folks who do portray us in the right light."

I was wondering what a hobbyist, such as myself, could do to protect the reptile-keeping hobby? Is there any way in which we, reptile enthusiasts, could create a pro-reptile campaign? or maybe even propose pro-reptile legislation? Any ideas would help.
Thanks very much for your time and consideration,
Niko
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1.0 Peruvian red-tail boa
1.0 Argentinian black and white tegu
2.0 Bearded Dragon
0.1 White's tree frog
1.1 "assorted" geckoes ???

yes i a gree burms have bigger girth
where the retic has the longer lenght go buy the system i would say burms are the bigger
record rectic is 33ft 6inches i think
follow by a african rock at 32ft 2inches i think
laters

the best bet any serious hobbyist can do is to work with PIJAC. They are the only voice for the reptile and exotic pet keeper. They work with congress trying to control the laws adn educate people that we all are not a bunch of freaks and that we can actually take care of the animals properly. Todd

I began realizing the problems in our hobby and the laws which are flying through every day. Mostly you all do not see it because the majority of the laws passing are about venomous and nobody is willing to stick up for responsible venomous keepers if they do not keep any venomous snakes. I do not keep venomous snakes but I am aware their bans are just another step closer to more snakes being banned. Right now I have nearly no chance at even being able to keep venomous with a permit because of the way the laws are slipping through. To be honest I would do double what the florida system requires and give 2000 hours with 2 years in order to obtain a permit to keep some of the snakes I love. I currently keep all my snakes (which is quite a few) in a separate room with nearly all of them in locked enclosures. And my snakes are not even near threatening...But the way I keep my snakes is how they need to be kept. I will not even risk any snake getting out and someone complaining about loose snakes. And people who see my reptile room see the great lengths I go to in order to keep my animals contained and in a safe manor for snakes, persons, and our entire hobby. I did not have a local herp society but I registered one through the university. It took a while to get it going but we are doing some great educational shows in the next few months and doing our best to correct the wrongs people have done to this hobby. And find a good herp society because many are all about raffles and "show off your pet." My herp society is all about educating the members on how to promote a good image for the public. Every time I hear about a proposed bill to ban any reptile I read it in front of the members and send out emails for people to politely write to their political voices about why the ban is a terrible idea. Do whatever you can and you can always sart by making sure the image you put out as a herp keeper is a good one.

There were some good recommendation in getting involved with your local herp society (if you have one, if not, start one!) and PIJAC. Additionally, and perhaps just as importantly, we (that meaning responsible hobbyists) need to really think about what kind of image we are projecting to the general public. We need to be much more proactive in community service in sharing our hobby in a responsible manner with the general public (school programs, scouts, community events, etc.). I do many free programs for various organizations because I honestly feel that it is our obligation to do so as part of having the privilege in enjoying our hobby. Grass roots approaches like this are what make bigger and longer lasting changes. Every time a local municipality passes a new, restrictive ordinance in owning reptles, it is one more nail on the coffin. We need to think LOCAL in order to make NATIONAL changes. Just my .02.

Rob Carmichael

>>I remember you saying:
>> "The real reason why our hobby is going right down the drain is that we have too many IRRESPONSIBLE, uneducated and just dead beat hobbyists who are killing it for the responsible folks who do portray us in the right light."
>>
>>I was wondering what a hobbyist, such as myself, could do to protect the reptile-keeping hobby? Is there any way in which we, reptile enthusiasts, could create a pro-reptile campaign? or maybe even propose pro-reptile legislation? Any ideas would help.
>>Thanks very much for your time and consideration,
>>Niko
>>-----
>>1.0 Peruvian red-tail boa
>>1.0 Argentinian black and white tegu
>>2.0 Bearded Dragon
>>0.1 White's tree frog
>>1.1 "assorted" geckoes ???
-----
Rob Carmichael, Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center at Elawa Farm
Lake Forest, IL