Reptile & Amphibian Forums

This is a negative article (as usual) but if you're registered, there is space on the bottom to post comments.

http://local.lancasteronline.com/4/16061

While I dont necessarily, disagree, totally with the article, you can already see where it will head. Agreed that the growing reptile trade is getting out of hand. But of course this is going to spark other UNDEDUCATED opinions out of people (like the second person that posted).

Good grief!

Chris

This statement is so true:

As to the comment that reptiles ought to be left in the wild, I say, "Obviously!" In an ideal world, that would be true. If urban sprawl doesn't destroy all the habitat for box turtles, then maybe they won't go extinct without captive breeding programs. One need only look at the populations of Asian turtles to imagine what could happen here in America. I'd rather see a breeding pair of box turtles in someone's back yard than see that same pair run over in the road next to that new subdivision over the hill.
It's a tough situation, but it will only be remedied by a change in society, not a change in legislation. I belong to several discussion groups about how we as keepers can help bring about the changes in society that will help us have fewer unwanted pets. As a reptile keeper, I am convinced that the solution doesn't involve banning the keeping of reptiles. Perhaps we as a society ought to embrace the notion that we are responsible for our own actions, including caring for our pets and researching their care BEFORE we get a pet.

It is up to us hobbiest and professionals to educate everywhere we go... where T-shirts that gets the attention of the public and then have your positive speech ready, not too long, but informative.
It's tuff, but we are the ones with the truth.
Clint