Policing the Reptile Industry
I spoke to a colleague recently on the phone and we were speaking of various aspects of herpetoculture. We spoke of the impact of media hype, legal allegations of animal rights groups, as well as policing our own industry.
I say industry because, well fact is, we aren’t a community.
That’s another story though and will be examined in future newsletter pieces so if you’re not subscribed yet I’d suggest you do so.
The topic of ‘policing’ our own stuck with me as it always does; this is a major point for how the media and AR activists are, for lack of a better turn of phrase bending us over a barrel. I’m of the viewpoint as many of you know, that breeders are responsible and should be held accountable for their sales. You can read more about that here Reptiles & Responsibility. Especially those who sell ‘potentially’ dangerous species to the public at large. I’m of course speaking of in this context large constrictors. This would of course speak to venomous sellers as well.
Refusing Sales & Gaining Customers
I became aware of something that not only shocked me but drove home my very point. I’m sure we have all seen the ‘online auctions’ that are hosted by breeders of various species. As the conversation progressed with my colleague we spoke of large constrictors and my experiences with people coming to the store and trying to purchase large snakes without having prior experience. I refused the sales and may have lost a few customers; I also had many of them come back and thank me later.
That may seem odd; denying a sale then getting repeat business so allow me to explain. By denying these customers some of them later learned and understood why I did what I did. This impressed them that I was more concerned about the animal and not the sale. They therefore became a regular customer. Back to the story now.
Reptile Auctions
My colleague told me about how he’d participated in one of these online auctions and how the process worked. Essentially, this particular auction was for a large constrictor. Specifically a purple reticulated python. This python could potentially reach very large size as we all know.
However, what really struck me was the size of the snake when it was sold. This particular snake was already 10 feet in length. This may not seem a point of contention to most so let’s examine further. Why should we be so concerned about online auctions and who sells large reptiles? Here is why this strikes me as not a good way to conduct business. Not one question about the potential purchaser was ever uttered. This is a ‘named’ breeder who is widely known and they never once inquired as to who they were selling to, what the buyer’s experience was with large reptiles, nor did they ask if the animal could be properly housed.
“A payment was made and the animal shipped. End of story, or is it?”
Responsibility of Selling Large Reptiles
I ask now, as I have before, who is actually responsible after the sale? Now before we run up the flag and start pointing out analogies of gun sales, car sales, hell even spray paint for Christ sakes. All of these are regulated in my state. How are they regulated you might ask?
Courtesy of Wikipedia
Guns and aerosol spray paint cannot be purchased unless you’re 18 years of age. In order to purchase a car you must be a licensed driver age 16. Why are these laws in effect? If you guessed ‘responsibility’ then you guessed right and you win…nothing. Ok, ok, here (I’m extending my hand to shake yours heartily and pay you on the back) feel better now?
Now before you tell me you need to be 18 to get a credit card etc. I get that. My point is this however. All those things mentioned were or rather are inanimate objects. Two of which could potentially kill someone. Well the spray paint will and has caused deaths from inhalation but that’s not the point.
The reason I’m comparing these is once again this ‘named’ breeder asked no questions. They have no way of knowing if this buyer is experienced or not and yet sells a potentially dangerous animal to them. Let’s take the media now, the story we’ve all become familiar with and being touted as one of the major reasons that large constrictor ownership should be regulated. An escaped python killed a little girl. It’s fairly accepted that the snake was housed improperly.
“That’s not the fault of the breeder.
Conversation
However, did the breeder ask if the snake could be housed properly I wonder? What about the store that sold it? Yes people lie all the time, however, for the most part people when on the spot will be honest. If the breeder or seller had simply asked a few questions then would the tragedy have been prevented? Maybe. Is it worth it as a breeder or seller of potentially dangerous reptiles to have a conversation with potential buyers? How much does your business mean to you? We all see and are aware of the potential and the current legislation regarding reptiles. However, how much of this regulation could be prevented; a simple conversation between seller and buyer to insure that they are aware of the implications of what they are about to get into.
- Does the buyer actually understand the ramifications?
- Have you ever owned a reptile?
- Where will the snake be kept?
- Do you have young children whom will be exposed to the snake?
- Are there proper safety protocols in place?
- Are you familiar with the regulations in your state, city, or county regarding ownership?
We don’t have to give potential customers the third degree but simply have a conversation with them. Do this to insure that they and you both understand what is taking place and the responsibility involved with ownership of such an animal. How many times have we heard this when asked about people’s first snake.
“I had a (insert a large constrictor) but it was the wrong snake for me as I didn’t know what I was getting into and I had to get rid of it.”
How easily prevented could the above have been prevented with a ten minute conversation? We would love to hear from you on our fanpage about your take on this so don’t be shy, let’s talk.