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Re: Responsible Reptile Keeping Debate V1.0
I totally agree..My thoughts on responsible reptile keeping have not always been followed by myself, in all honesty.
Ideally, a proper set up, equipment, research, investigating breeders/sellers, and finding a vet with up-to-date knowledge on your animal should be dealt with BEFORE your animal EVER comes home.
However, I think the majority of us have ended up with impulse acquisitions. Many of us ran into someone who said they had a snake that needed a home, so we jumped on it, or we saw a sick snake in the store, bought one at a show spur of the moment, because the price was right.....etc..
Things aren't always perfect, but I think the majority of people really DO want to do their animals well (maybe that's just those Rose tinted glasses?)
I've come across MORE people who wanted to provide well for their snakes, than those who just flat didn't give a rip.
Usually those I run into who may have things wrong with their set ups or their care, are open to suggestions on how to change things for the better.
I'm constantly jotting down my number and referring them to websites like this for information in case they need it.
Honestly I think breeders SHOULD provide ALL the help they possibly can to help the animals. Caresheets, advice, suggestions, information...whatever.
Even if they were not the original seller of the animal, being able to call up someone more experienced and ask questions should be something any reptile keeper should be able to do.
I've said it a hundred times, we are all in the same hobby, if we don't work together, the odds we won't HAVE a hobby are pretty high.
As far as underage keepers, I would support buyers being at least 18 or have parental permission. Shelters don't let you adopt dogs or cats without being 18..
These are living breathing animals, and while I think there are quite a few younger keepers who are AMAZING at keeping their animals healthy, I think overrall it would benefit the animals for parental involvement to be required.
(Not that parental involvement means the animal will be safe..I know)
I do think it would cut down on neglected/abandoned animals, even if it means ONE less, it's still ONE less.
Just my thoughts on the issue.
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