As more time passes, I find that I want less to do with The Reptile Industry. Everyone is so focused on the money aspect and the respect and passion for the animals is completely gone, just gone. Theres no excitement for blazing trails in the sense of working with a new species...the challenge does not lay with being the first to overcome a husbandry challenge as much as being the first to cash in on it. The more successful suppliers are nothing more than skin peddlers treating animals as commodities. Of course this does not apply to everyone, but seemingly most. Any big breeders that agree with this train of thought, do this with me in private. Dont get me wrong, some of my favorite people are knee deep in this world and I can understand the need to make money, but it should never outweigh the welfare and overall passion for animals. If you speak out in a way that could negatively affect someones cash cow, you are immediately labeled as an AR freak or enemy of The Hobby. The hobby is reluctant to better itself, speaking of room for improvement is considered taboo and pointing out our weaknesses is labeled as an attack. Just look at what happened when I suggested reeling in retic reproduction. It seems like the biggest breeders are in it for the short term buck knowing that legislation that will end it all is looming. There is no 5 year plan. People scream about rights to keep but no one is willing to put their money or effort where their mouth is. USARK is one of the better supported advocates but so little of their support actually comes from hobbyist, people who make a living selling reptiles are unwilling to contribute to an organization that is their only advocate and often do under pressure. The majority of its funding literally comes from 3 people...yet millions consider themselves keepers. The fight is a farce. I cannot support this. As time goes on, I will focus more on the conservation and education aspects of this world we love. Because to be honest, I truly love working with animals and Ill probably be dead the day I stop. But I have a hard time stomaching what The Industry deems permissible such as Ball pythons by the sack, green anoles, and other disposable pets. If you dont agree with me, you can always unfriend or block me. If you feel the need to argue with me, come prepared. Thats my rant.
Posted on: Thu, 15 May 2014 04:40:01 +0000