I wasn't going to post about this again since it's not really my battle, but you went and made another good point...

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Posted by Debbie on June 30, 1999 at 18:34:13:

In Reply to: Yeah people and dont forget....it is only the US importers that cause this problem. posted by kev on June 30, 1999 at 16:15:41:

I do happen to think that importers and even breeders are part of the problem. If you're supplying animals that you KNOW are treated as disposable items, or are commonly mistreated, than you share responsibility for the result - and believe me, there's plenty of responsibility to go around.

Having said that:

>point being educate the people buying the animals first... then worry about where they come from or who is bringing them in

This makes sense to me...wasn't it someone on this forum who suggested that bearded dragons may be the next iguana, as far as disposable pets go? I know we're here because we love our igs, but even if the import trade in igs was stopped, what would prevent another herp (like bearded dragons) taking their place as cheap throw-aways? Whether importers/breeders are at fault, wouldn't it be better to educate the animal buying public so they don't do something foolish like buy a herp without learning something about it's care first? (How many people stop and think about how big a $9.95 Giant Green Ig will get before they buy it for their kids? How many people out there even think that a reptile EVER needs to be taken to a veterinarian?)
If we can discourage the public from buying igs by making public their ultimate size, diet and heat requirements, and need for space (which I believe is what Niad is trying to do) then the importers won't have any reason to bring them in...wouldn't that be killing two birds with one stone?

Notice, Kev, I'm not exonerating you; you're contributing to a problem but refusing to take responsibility for your role in it. HOWever, I'd still like to hear your opinions; just because you're an importer it doesn't mean you're evil (just wrong; but aren't we all sometimes? :-)

-d

Follow Ups:

to set the record straight.... kev 6/30/99 (7)
- Oops! You're right, you did say that, mea culpa... Debbie 6/30/99 (0)
- to keep the flames away.... kev 6/30/99 (5)
  - great pics Joan 6/30/99 (0)
  - just cause he is so cool. kev 6/30/99 (3)
    - Re: just cause he is so cool. cirsisue 6/30/99 (1)
      - Re: just cause he is so cool. kev 7/01/99 (0)
    - Re: just cause he is so cool. kev 6/30/99 (0)

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: I do happen to think that importers and even breeders are part of the problem. If you're supplying animals that you KNOW are treated as disposable items, or are commonly mistreated, than you share responsibility for the result - and believe me, there's plenty of responsibility to go around. : Having said that: : >point being educate the people buying the animals first... then worry about where they come from or who is bringing them in : This makes sense to me...wasn't it someone on this forum who suggested that bearded dragons may be the next iguana, as far as disposable pets go? I know we're here because we love our igs, but even if the import trade in igs was stopped, what would prevent another herp (like bearded dragons) taking their place as cheap throw-aways? Whether importers/breeders are at fault, wouldn't it be better to educate the animal buying public so they don't do something foolish like buy a herp without learning something about it's care first? (How many people stop and think about how big a $9.95 Giant Green Ig will get before they buy it for their kids? How many people out there even think that a reptile EVER needs to be taken to a veterinarian?) : If we can discourage the public from buying igs by making public their ultimate size, diet and heat requirements, and need for space (which I believe is what Niad is trying to do) then the importers won't have any reason to bring them in...wouldn't that be killing two birds with one stone? : Notice, Kev, I'm not exonerating you; you're contributing to a problem but refusing to take responsibility for your role in it. HOWever, I'd still like to hear your opinions; just because you're an importer it doesn't mean you're evil (just wrong; but aren't we all sometimes? :-) : -d

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