There are many good things about it like educating folks about wildlife/environments and respecting it, but do you ever get those other feelings?
Bob.
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Do you ever feel negative to reptiles becoming mainstream?
BobS
Nov 08, 2005 09:35 PM
Replies (3)
improvius
Nov 08, 2005 11:23 PM
I just get an uneasy feeling sometimes that people won't take proper care of the animals. It's not like dogs or cats. Reptiles have very specific environmental needs, as we all know, and it takes a certain amount of planning and upkeep to care for them. I worry that the average person doesn't really do their homework before bringing home a ball python from Petco or whatever.
goini04
Nov 09, 2005 07:28 AM
Alot of people mean very well for their captives. But lets face it. Humans cannot recreate nature. We STILL donot know what all of these reptiles ultimately require. We only feel that due to a bunch of studies that we are doing things right (the ones who even researched that available information). Most people try to get away with bare minimum enclosures...just enough to keep the animal alive. Then we have these mass breeders who are in my opinion no better than puppy mills. Crocodilians, venomous snakes, and large constrictors are made far too easily available. The breeders aren't going to do anything about it either...they are making money. In the end, I honestly don't feel that the few benefits that private exotic possession holds....are really going to cut it.
That is just my opinion.
Good Topic.
Chris
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Chris Law
U.A.P.P.E.A.L. (Uniting a Proactive Primate and Exotic Animal League)
Herpetoculture Element Representative
duffy
Nov 09, 2005 05:11 PM
While I agree with the concerns posted thus far, unfortunately there will alway be some who don't take proper care of their pets. They will provide crappy care for their dogs, cats, fish, birds, etc. THAT DOES bother me.
That said, I think it's just great that herps have become more accepted as captives and that we have such a growing community. And clearly, herps (especially snakes) are far from mainstream and still get a bad rap from the general population.
I'm mostly bothered by folks who continue to take "hard to keep" species from the wild and make $$$$ selling to unsuspecting buyers who will wind up with a cheap dead snake.
So, we need to continue to educat herpers and non-herpers alike about the wonders of our hobby. It's good to be here, and I'm glad you all are along for the ride also.
Duffy
