Seems that some \"ETHICS\" questionability has recently come

In regards to doing RESCUE/REHABILITATION that is with reptiles. In another thread it does NOT seem apparent to some "just why" "some of us" have such a STRONG belief in doing what is best for the reptile in question. Soo I thought i would post this so that others may better understand where exactly it is that "some of us" have been coming from in regards to the reptiles , especially in the area of RESCUE/REHAB/ADOPTION. Hopefully this will "help" to understand some of us and what we say/do better than has been happening recently..
This is a Rehabilitator's Code of Ethics..
I beleive that it is basically the same in most states as it is in mine. If anyone has anything different, please add it to this thread for others to see also. TYIA.

It should also be kept in mind that reptiles are a form of wildlife and when kept in captivity, they are still wildlife...whether or not they are indigenous to one's local or not even. When working with reptiles in the area of rescue/rehab/adoption ..The same basic principles would apply also to reptiles that have been obtained into the system of rescue etc that you would not find in your backyard also.

**A rehabilitator should strive to achieve high standards of animal care through knowledge and an understanding of the field. Continuing efforts must be made to keep informed of information relatibve to rehabilitation, methods and regulations.

**A rehabilitators attitude should be responsiblem conscientious, dedicated, and should continuously work toward inproving the quality of care given wildlife undergoing rehabilitation.

**A wildlife rehabilitator must abide by local, state, federal and provincial laws concerning wildlife, wildlife rehabilitation and associated activities.

**A wildlife rehabilitator should acknowledge limitations and enlist the assistance of a veterinarian or other trained professional when appropriate.

**A wildlife rehabilitator should respect other rehabilitators and persons in related fields, sharing skills and knowledge in the spirit of cooperation for the welfare of the animals.

**A wildlife rehabilitator should place optimum animal care above personal gain.

**A wildlife rhabilitator should stride to provide professional and humane care in ALL phases of wildlife rehabilitation, respecting the wildness and maintaining the dignity of each animal in life and death.

**The common goal should be to promote a responsible concern for living beings and the welfare of the environment.

**A wildlife rehabilitator should work on the basis of sound ecological pronciples, incorporating appropriate conservation ethics and an attitude of stewardship.

**A wildlife rehabilitator should conduct all business and activities in a professional manner, with honesty, integrity, compassion, and committment, realizing that an individual's conduct reflects on the entire field of wildlife rehabilitation.


Hope that helps to clarify where a lot of us have been coming from in recent RTB posts. [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_wink.gif[/img]
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[Ravnos]

There is one thing I'd like to note... there is a difference between a wildlife rehabilitator and a rescuer. I'm sure its pretty clear, but I would like to draw a line in the sand just to make sure people understand.

Wildlife rehabbers work with native wild animals, and then return them to the wild unless they are unreleasable. Most states require a person to have a permit to do wildlife rescue/rehab. Which is a process that involves inspection of your facilities by state parks & wildlife officials, and a yearly fee for the license - something in the range of 70 dollars. They make sure you know what you are doing before they will even issue a license. If you do not have this license, keeping native wild species is limited as per a state hunting license. Which in Texas, for instance, is no more than 25 native animals. 10 of a single species maximum. Every state has a particular law of this caliber, some are much more strict than others. So if you are collecting native species, you had better make sure you're inside the bag limit. Even if you bought the animal at a pet store, or 'rescued' it from JoeBob down the street, if you can't prove it was captive born with a notarized document, its the same as if you caught it in the wild and falls under the hunting limitations.

Rescuers/Animal Rescue Groups, etal, take in unwanted pets - generally non-native species - and give them new homes - either under their own rooves as most of the more dedicated rescuers or by adopting them out as many organizations do. In most states, anyone can do this. Which means you don't have to be the least bit qualified, you just have to have someone willing to give you an animal. Some states do require you to have a permit to run any sort of animal rescue or adoption agency, like Illinois. One thing I feel inclined to mention is that federal law DOES require you to claim any money you take in from rescue adoption fees as income unless you are a registered non-profit organization with the IRS. Which means you -must- keep meticulous records, going back at least 7 years. Assuming you last that long in pet rescue.

The morality is different for each. Wildlife rehabbers have to realize that the animals are wild, they deserve to be in the wild, and if they are able to be, that is where they should be. Rescuers have to realize that animals are not a commodity to be shuffled around, they are not a status symbol to see how many you can hustle through you doors. In both cases, experience, knowledge, the drive to continously further that knowledge, and the simple caring and sense to do what is in the best interest of the animal - regardless of yourself and your ego - are necessary. In the long run, it is we, as those of have pledged to be care takers of these animals, these beings who cannot stand up for their own rights, who must be the ones to stare at ourselves and realize what we are doing and take responsibility for our actions. If you can't get past your ego to do what is best for the animals, you probably should not have any.

Oh well... got way off track, but the whole issue is just something I feel rather strongly about.

Rav




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The darkness might conquer, but it can never extinguish hope. And though one candle, or many, might flicker and die, new candles will be lit from the old. Thus hope's flame always burns, lighting the darkness until the coming of day.

[StaticKaos]

Hmm... Looks like this is gonna be a popular thread so ill throw my .02 in.. I myself have yet to take on the responsibility from a injured animal.. The main reason is that I would not want 2 take something into my hands, an not be able 2 provide the help it needs.. I think a lot of people should realize that like i did before they even think of adopting sick or injured animals.. Chances are vet trips will be made, means money out of their pockets.. An that can cause them to juss say screwit, ill try to help em the best to my personal ability at home..
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[LdyDrgn]

Lori isn't talking about Wildlife Rehab only, but of pets that have been rescued and need to be rehabbed as well. Granted, someone who claims rehab should have some kind of training and licensing. We have rehabbed a very sick snake, but we did it with the help of those here. We don't claim that we are rehabbers just because of this. We merely did what was needed for the sake of the health of that snake.....we still maintain that we have minimal knowledge when it comes to rehab and we know our limitations. [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_smile.gif[/img] Yes, there is a difference between rescue and rehab, but the two often go hand in hand.....
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[Ravnos]

I was more trying to differentiate between wildlife rescue/rehab and pet rescue/rehab. They are two very different entities, that sometimes overlap for those who are qualified, but shouldn't for those who are not.

#1 on every person who works with animal's speed dial should be the number of someone more experienced than they are. [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_smile.gif[/img]

Rav
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[JuliusSqueezer]

I dont really care about proper labels actually...if someone brings me a sick or injured animal or if I find one on the road half squished and I think I can help it....I do what I can. If I think someone else can do better and they are willing....I take it to them. I have failed...I have succeeded....both many times. Georgia has some funky laws. It is unlawful for me to have any native nonvenomous species here. So...I have to work alone in way too many cases and can't even really seek help except through other herpers. I don't have a piece of paper that says I'm a rehabber but then....I don't advertise or actually seek them out either. I just help what I can, if I can whenever I run across something in need. If that is wrong....sue me.

Currently I have nothing here being treated more serious than a mild nose rub other than a baby boa that I never thought would live through the first week that was born without yolk belly. skinny lil runt that won't stay hydrated no matter what I do. He has eaten once on his own and has been tube fed 4 times and has never shed. poor little guy. he poops 24 hours after every meal too....I wonder if his whole intestinal track is out of whack. I have to soak him 4 days a week to keep him from totally drying up. HELP!

[najaboy]

<TABLE BORDER=0 ALIGN=CENTER WIDTH=85%><TR><TD><font class="pn-sub">Quote:</font><HR></TD></TR><TR><TD><FONT class="pn-sub"><BLOCKQUOTE>Georgia has some funky laws. </BLOCKQUOTE></FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD><HR></TD></TR></TABLE>
Ain't that the truth! I had one run-in with GA DNR over keeping non-native hots, and was very lucky not to have anything come from it. Good ol' Georgia, where you can haveall the EDB's and canebrakes your heart desires, but may God have mercy on your soul if you're caught with a corn snake or ringneck snake.
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	Corn Snake The Corn Snake or Red Rat Snake (Elaphe guttata) is a species of Rat Snake.

[JuliusSqueezer]

LOL...yah...and we can keep dusky salamanders(spring lizards) as long as they are to be used as fish bait...but we can't keep them as pets. I am in no trying to discourage anyone from getting a license and proper training to become a rehabber. I think it's a great thing to do. Unfortunatly the only reptile rehab training you will get is turtle carapass/plastron repair. Mostly they work with orphaned squirrels and birds of prey with broken wings...things like that. Snakes don't get much attention here except for with the choppy end of a shovel. So...screw em...If I find em in need...I just do what I can to the best of my abilities and let em go later.
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[StaticKaos]

Does anyone know how I could find out what laws my state has on reptiles? I tried searching an couldn't find anything.. I'd juss like 2 know for future reference..
[addsig]

Hey static.. the following people are licensed with your state as wildlife rehabbers AND they are also into herps too [ They're members of RTB even... J-Riley, Constrictor-BO, Shadrach] try asking them what the herp laws are in your state. Also Eddie is in your state too and knows the laws a bit also.
there's also the state F&amp;W Dept. that you could check out too. Try locating a herp association even and asking there. There are many avenues to find the state and local laws relative to herps where you live. Just seek em out is all [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_wink.gif[/img]

Yeah Juls...That's basically what many don't seem to understand..You do NOT have to be a wildlife rehabber, or reptile rescue in order to help out a reptile in need. Just think of ALL the reptiles that YOU alone have helped over the years and where'd they'd all be if ya basically &quot;didn't give a #$%^&#$%^&#$%^&#$%^&.

Rav,, thanx for making the ditinguishments in your posting here. I was just trying to get across a basis of ethics and compassion is all really. Afterall, it's not the piece of paper that one has that is going to make the difference, yet the &quot;action/inaction&quot; that they do that will make the difference. EDUCATION is the key ! What one does with what they have learned is what's going to make the difference in the long run. I know some people who have pieces of paper that reflect on what has been taught to them, in whatever field it is, yet they haven't a clue in what they are doing either. Go figure ! [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_rolleyes.gif[/img]
GA has got some of the most ridiculous laws I have come across related to the snakes one is allowed to keep IMO.
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	In My Opinon IMO = In My Opinion and IMHO = In My Honest Opinion

[slaponte]

Just to say I agree 100%...

No complaints (at this time, but I reserve the right to complain at a later time, if only to make Julius happy!).
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