Reptile & Amphibian Forums

mmm k

So, all of a sudden this Hermit Crab Hut shows up in the mall and of course, my boyfriend has to stop and watch them. He's obsessed with these kinds of things-one time he spent a good 15 min trying to 'help' one of the hermit crabs find a shell. I don't really care because I think the crabs are lame anyway.

But then...

We pass by the Hermit Crab Hut and I do a complete double take because I see frogs. As a total herp freak, I stopped to check it out. Actually, I almost flipped out. This crappy cart in the mall (it's not even a real store, it's just a cart that people rent when they have retarded merchandise) is selling reptiles?!?! The thing that disturbed me most was two small tanks packed with iguanas. Granted, I'm a snake person, but I knew that they weren't healthy. It look to me like they weren't sheding right, either way, there was definatly not enough humidity in there. So, I opened the cage up and started doing tiny assesments and it was completly tragic.

I wanted to shove some in my sweatshirt, but I realized that was a lame idea since I have nothing at home to house an ig. (My dad filled the 60 gal. tank up with water and put fish in it. I told him it would look better with bearded dragons.) My next reaction was to buy all of them, but that was dumb too. Besides, I'm 19 and in college...money is like this weird myth that I hear people talking about.

What can I do about this cart? It's completly ridiculous! BTW, I live in Tucson, AZ if that will affect what laws are applicable. And even if nothing can legally be done, you can expect a good reaming of the cart owner by me.

Peace~
Rae
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Me, Beatrice, Theta and Nora. Who could have guessed?

Mall stores are easier to get rid of. Have people complain to the mall management.

THe snake rescue in my area got rid of our mall store after they tried to sell a plant a burmese python telling him it would not get larger than 5 feet.

Well, I went by the cart and started asking questions, which made the boys who were working there pretty uncomfortable. There were no igs left, just some turtles, which is bittersweet. Anyways, the boys told me that the whole cart was shutting down in about a month, but I think I'll check back from time to time. As a bonus, we've already been in touch with mall managment.

However, it still bothers me that the pet trade is sending off animals to an oblivion that they'll never make it out of. After some brainstorming, I've decided to get in touch with some of the local media about the issue. It's all we can do as resposible herp owners to try and get the truth out there.

Rae
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Me, Beatrice, Theta and Nora. Who could have guessed?

Were they selling hatchling turtles? If so, call your local health department and animal control! It is illegal to sell turtles under 4", it's an FDA regulation, and most cities and counties have health regs that cover it as well. Look in the blue pages of your phone book for the phone numbers.

Katrina

My next reaction was to buy all of them, but that was dumb too.

For anyone reading this, and who've contemplated the same action--DON'T. I hear of too many people who think they're doing the right thing by "rescuing" animals in this manner. The owner of the store (or in this case, cart) sees only a sale, no matter what the motive of the purchaser, and buys another in the hopes of making another sale.

If it's a real case for "rescue," the animal could be had for a reduced price (if charged at all). Otherwise, it's just a "sale," and although an individual specimen might have a happier future, it may be at the expense of many of its conspecifics.
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Chris McMartin
www.mcmartinville.com
I'm Not a Herpetologist, but I Play One on the Internet

Although I hate to see any Iguana's being sold in stores, and agree with you in your quest to remove these vendors from selling these beautiful lizards; do so in an informed, educated manner.

The worst thing any well-intentioned herper can do is appear as if they are a part of an animal rights group or on an "anti-pet" crusade.

First and foremost, approach the vendors, and explain to them their mistakes in how the animals are being housed and cared for. If you do not get results by speaking to the owner(s) selling the animals, THEN go to whoever is in charge of the booth/space rentals in the mall.

Remember, the key is to approach whomever it is with a well informed and though out "game plan". Be sure you have all the facts, including doing some research on Iguana's that you can then use as a means to educate/inform whomever it is you are trying to convince why these vendors should not be selling these animals.

Also, you will have to be sure that this is how the animals are kept long-term; and not just while on display/sale.

Ever go to a reptile/herp show?
Many who are new to these events may consider the deli cups that many vendors display their animals in as cruel and cramped, etc....BUT, this is only how these breeders display the animals for shows/events and is NOT indicative of their long-term housing.

See what I'm getting at? Be sure you have ALL the facts before acting in heated passion, so to say.

If you approach it on a "personal level", without good solid information, your efforts are more likely to result in being looked upon as a "kook" by whomever you take your complaint(s) to.

I have personally convinced a few pet stores in my area to stop selling Iggy's...it wasn't always easy; and a LOT of effort was involved to speak to the "right" people. But in all those cases, it was with good, strong information and facts that helped to persuade these shops from selling these animals.

Remember that they are not illegal to sell in pet shops, and although I would personally like to see less of them in petshop display cages, one has to tread a fine-line between concern and outright banning.

Now, if conditions are deplorable beyond any doubt, you can also file a complaint with the Animal Control in your city/state and allow them to investigate.

Good Luck!

I saw the same thing in a mall here up in new york. I agree that this is an appauling site. I dont agree with you about the fact that you think the crabs were stupid, I love herps but I love all animals, but that is not the issue. I have seen the mistreatment of animals so much recently I am ashamed I am part of this human race. I think the animal lovers of the world should unite and put an end to the inhumane treatment of animals.

Don't buy them as they will just get more (purchase simply encourages the practice). Anything that can discourage the sale of these animals will be beneficial (within the law, of course). Perhaps speaking to the vendors can help (couldn't hurt). Let them know your position and arguments.

Im a hissing roach fan myself, with about 2000 now! But I did see the same as you guys... lots of small iguans for sale. Im in Mexico( old Mex.) and arnt the wild native ones protected as a disappearing species??? let me know.
Yanngo.

Contact your local animal shelter and ask them who regulates pet shops/animal sales in your state. Where I'm at it's the State Dept. of Agriculture, Animal Welfare Division, they even control the conditions at animal shelters and especially pet shops and dealers. All states require licensing of any facility that deals in animals of any kind. Once you know the authority then contact them, usually they can be found in the phone book or ask the animal shelter if they can give you the contact info. File a formal complaint, they will investigate and check first if it is a registered dealer. In the case of these quicky mall kiosks usually they are not. That will shut them down immediately. The second part of the complaint should include everything you feel is wrong or inadequate about the dealer. Overcrowding, lack of heat, water, foods, mites, everything.

Your local animal shelter usually will not handle these kinds of complaints for retail businesses nor will the police.

As someone else posted the worst you can do is to "rescue" these animals. You're just pumping profits into their pockets which they turn around and put back into more animals. How can you possibly rescue all of them? Do not come off as some animal rights activist, they'll just blow you off as a wacko and keep doing business. REPORT THEM.

The above is also true of pet stores, especially the corporate pet stores. My favorite tactic for the corporate or big box pet shops is to fill a cart with supplies, go to the animal section and ask to see the manager. Once you have their attention calmly, helpfully point out the things you see that need correction and give them good advice. Once they blow your off hand the cart over to them and tell them if that's their attitude you're not going to spend a dime in their store until these situations are rectified. Then report them.

Keep in mind when you spend your money in these types of stores, even if it's not for animals, even just buying box of dog biscuits, you're supporting the poor quality care of these animals. As long as they're making profits they stay in business. Animal loses from death and disease are tax deductable so the losses mean nothing to them. PROFITS DO!!!
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Hope this helps.

BigT