Hello Neil,
Thursday, September 06, 2001, 3:37:52 PM, you wrote:
NAM> I do find it paints a poor picture if herps are all lumped
NAM> together in statistics. I'd like to know how many cb leopard gex
NAM> and corn snakes survive the first year, I suspect a bit more than
NAM> 10%.
An excellent point! There are around 11,500 to 12,000 currently
recognized species of herps, most of which probably aren't appropriate
pets for most people. Yet the leopard geckos, corn snakes, etc... that
are available CB and handled well by the dealer/ retailer do well with
the general public. When you say, "fish make good pets." Most folks
would agree. They don't think of the obvious exceptions like whale
sharks, big tuna, some delicate saltwater species, etc... With herps
its the exact opposite. People immediately think of the exceptions
(venomous herps, delicate WC amphibians and lizards, large
constrictors, etc...) rather than the many CB herps that thrive in
captivity. Part of the problem is that first timers aren't guided
toward appropriate beginner species and part of the problem is a lack
of initiative to get educated on the part of the pet owner.
But, I too am rambling...
HSUS is promoting a letter writing campaign/petition to the USDA to
ban the sale of reptiles in the US (a la <4" turtles). It may be wise
for herp owners to write their own letters to the USDA director
offering a counter argument. Let them know that there is more than one
side to this.
Here is the contact info for the Secretary of Agriculture (who is in
charge of the USDA):
Ann Veneman
Secretary of Agriculture
200-A Whitten Bldg.
1400 Independence Ave., SW
Washington, D.C. 20250
e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Remember:
1 - Be polite, you're trying to win friends.
2 - Be concise, these folks don't have time to read long letters.
Also, state your position clearly in the first sentence.
3 - Don't completely dismiss the concern over Salmonella, the CDC
takes it very seriously. Perhaps mention, though, that banning the
sale of reptiles is not the appropriate response but, as with food
safety, better education is needed.
--
Best Regards Reply To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Tony Gamble
University of Minnesota
Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology
###########################################################################
THE GLOBAL GECKO ASSOCIATION LISTSERV
WebSite: www.gekkota.com Archive: [EMAIL PROTECTED]/
The GGA takes no responsibility for the contents of these postings.
###########################################################################
