Something i've always wondered

[TKR Reptiles]

Originally Posted by icicle

How could they tell what a snake is like in the first 10-15 minutes after ariving at the shelter?

They really should be left alone for a week to see what would happen, and to see what the temperment might be.

this is true to some extent. the fact of the matter is any animal can be unpredictable. whether it be a BP, a retic, a poodle, or pitbull. the fact is people that do take animals in as pet should always understant anything can happen, and that it isnt the animals fault. like someone else said they were fine long before we tried to domesticate them. not arguing your point bro. just adding my opinion on to it.

[stalk]

The reptiles at my rescue (SPCA) go direct to the reptile rescue locally. No "temperament" testing is done as it is assumed that all snakes are a loaded gun with a itchy trigger finger. Not because they think snakes are bad, mind you. The head of our SPCA told me simply:

"People are too stupid to take care of dogs and cats, animals we've lived with for thousands of years. Do you think I really want to trust anyone with a wild animal?"

Before people get up in arms about it being that the SPCA doesn't care about reptiles, consider that a bit. Also consider that we put down almost any wolf hybrid we get in if the Siberian Husky rescue I foster and work for doesn't take it in.

It's not really about whether an animal is a furry creature or scaley.

SPCA puts down dogs that bite unless someone from a VERY VERY VERY VERY VERY short list is willing to take it in. These people on that very short list are mostly professionals or people running sanctuaries and such.

So please don't think it's just a matter of fur vs scales. There's a lot more behind the decision. Realize that those of us who are respectable keepers are a drop in the ocean.

[Icicle]

Stalk,
What do you people do when a person does come in looking for a snake?

[stalk]

We refer them to the rescue. We don't keep the snakes ourselves. As soon as we pick up a reptile or someone brings one here, it's handed to the ACO and she takes it to the rescue. I don't know much about the local reptile rescue as I've never visited them.