*Sigh* The problem with this report is that there are many truths in
here, however they are presented in a light of ignorance that outshines
the reality of their report, and how it should be interpreted - with a
HUGE grain of salt. Politicians, likely without a herp in their
household, will read this and will scream "ban the reptiles!"
There are problems in the industry that need to be corrected. We do not
need to correct this by cutting the head off to save the feet. Do we
responsible herp owners and business people need to get rid of our herps
or never be allowed the priviledge of owning them again to satisfy the
ignorant? I think not. Please round up all your herp friends and e-mail
the HSUS and tell them our side. Their view is incredibly myopic and
they need to hear that from you.
Their focus should be on the real problems in their report- importer
reform at all aspects, collection and care until distributed. Then
education on what is the proper herp for you, how to buy it, how to
avoid zoonoses, more education, more education. They even miss the
glaring problem of many pet shops, especially chains, that do nothing to
properly house their reptiles for sale and/or educate their customers.
Part of this problem stems from reptile wholesalers who do not provide
id or care instructions with their "packages" offered to pet stores.
Also missing from their report were the positive aspects of owning a
reptile, especially when the purchase process is done properly- reptile
matched to the buyer, healthy stock, preferably CB, proper
identification and care instructions provided at the time of sale,
support for a pre-designated time period after the sale. This is the
foundation for fun and rewarding reptile keeping.
Lastly, you can put on my headstone....."Leopard geckos are easier to
care for than a cat or a dog!"
Julie Bergman
http://www.geckoranch.com
GGA lifetime member
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