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Posted by IGUANA JOE on March 28, 2003 at 22:39:48:
I was having a little chit chat with a few folks the other day, about iguanas and other reptiles as well.
One of them, an interesting character, came up with the argument/issue that people should be allowed to have reptiles (in particular, the very large ones)ONLY if their hoursehold/property can accomodate a very spacious enviornment.
What does that mean? Well, he went on specifying that for example, only people who can offer a room-sized enclosure or huge out-door enclosure should be allowed to have iguanas (ig. ig. ; cyclu's ; and certain cteno's), and lizards of similar size (like varanids, teiids, and other iguanids).
Same thing with large snakes, such as constrictors. He found it very inhumane how some constrictors are forced to live all their captive life curled up on two pathetic branches, and lay mostly still all day. No stimulation to the brain whatsoever. Just feed, defecate, and sleep. No exploring, hunting, or stretching of the body.
In addition, he also went on about agamids and the like in a similar matter. He concluded that since folks who own crocodilians do have to follow regulations about enclosure size and quality, the same should go to people who own very large lizards (over 4 feet) or snakes. In other words, we should have a state permit to own these animals, and offer enormous space since they deserve to live in an environment as close as possible to their natural one. (Let's admit it, 6x6x4 is really the EXTREME minimun for iguanas...we all know something over 8 feet in all directions would be a truly proper-sized enclosure).
I found a few pro's and con's with this fella.
-The pro's are that the number of large reptile buyers will shrink to only those who are truly able to provide adequate and humane housing.
-Also, there will be more control on pet-reptile abuse, if a set of standards/rules will be written down to follow.
-And, the biggest pro is the life quality of the animal(s). We all want the best for our animals, and to make them live a happy and healthy life. It is obvious that a boa will be happier living in an enclosure at or well over 10 feet in dimension (in/out-door), instead of a shower or puny tank/gallon. Heck, even a kingsnake or frilled lizard would love that!
-The con's are that those less fortunate to have ample space will not be allowed to have the reptile they wish (tho it might be a good thing too...).
-Another is that the more "difficult" and specialized the care/cost/enclosure size of an animal, the higher the price of the animal itself will become eventually. Imagine if iguanas were as restricted as crocodilians. We would see iguanas selling b/w $75 to $500!
-Another negative aspect is that such laws may slowly corrode the hobby. Fewer and fewer people may be eligible to own a large reptile (again, like constrictors, iguanids, varanids, and teiids), resulting in their communities to shrink.
-However, this last negative also has a positive aspect since it will also lead to less oversaturation of the market, and less unwanted (large) reptile pets.
These are just a few +/- 's that I found.
We were 6 in total during this conversation. 3 agreed with him, 1 disagreed, and me and a friend were sort of in the middle.
The idea offers both a lot of good sides and bad sides. We all know that these animals are not for everyone. Yet not everyone know that these animals may not be for them. Which is why some sort of written regulations or standards may appear in the future to prevent unwanted animals, direct/indirect abuse, and inhumane living conditions of large reptiles.
The reptile hobby is as complicated as its business and the care for the animals themselves. After all, the same principles go for domestic animals. Which is why we register our cats or dogs, and have organizations like the SPCA to protect all animals, to make sure they live in proper and healthy environments.
Since we reptile hobbyist often get bad reputations because of the general public's ignorance and/or hobbyists' neglect, coming up with some sort of laws or rules may actually save us from further damage.
What do you all think? You gotta admit I'm pretty darn good at coming up with this stuff! LOL
If it sounds unclear, let me know, and I'll try to specify better what the guy was talking about. And yes, we did talk about free-roaming, but he said it wasn't good enough.
Let the debate begin!
-IJ
p.s. and in case u're wondering, he owns a 6 foot water monitor that has full access to the WHOLE basement of the house. From what I heard, it sounds like an incredible setup.
...dam I'm good.
