Should I adopt two neglected animals?

[ErikBush97]

So I know that I bicker with a lot of members here quite often, and I am probably not on the best of terms with some of them, however, I'd appreciate it if we could put that aside for now, and focus on the well being of two neglected snakes. So I have have actually complained here about a local pet store that mistreats their Ball Python who's about 3-4 feet long (can't really give an estimate on age, but I am telling you the length, if you want to make a guess). Anyways, They clean the poo and urates out of the Pythons cage every 7 weeks or so. I have that because there was 5-7 poops and 3-4 urates yesterday when I went in. I got a job at a fast food "restaurant" and I can actually afford to house two more animals. I have two tanks, and one tub. One tank and the tub are being used, so I'd just need another $7 tub. I will not make the same mistake of buying animals and then getting all the supplies I need, again... I will use my first pay check(s) to buy everything needed and then purchase the animals. I am capable of caring for two additional snake IF I buy everything they need first. I know 8 months, or so (or how ever long I've been into snakes) does not seem like a long time, but I have learned quite a bit, and I can't stand seeing these animals suffer. The Ball Python has been in a shed for a month - two months.. Maybe longer. I have only been going there for about a month and a half. Anyways... Someone suggested that I let their snakes die, and try and talk them out of buying more. They have a 5-7 inch (MAX) corn snake... so that might take awhile... Anyways it's one corn snake and one Python. Should I report them or buy the snakes, once I am ready? The guy who works there admitted that they advertise the kittens and puppies so the snakes will probably be there for the rest of their lives.That's sad.. Anyways.. I see a problem with report them. If I report them for neglecting the snakes, it's not going to be the same as if they were reported for neglecting cute little kittens, or puppies. And let's say they do something about it and confiscate the snakes.. They are probably going to be put somewhere just as bad, if not worse, or they might just euthanize them. I don't know if you guys see this any differently, but I just think, whether it's my home, or someone else's, snakes are my passion, and I don't like seeing them treated like that. I don't know how someone could go to a pet store, see something like that, and go on with their lives without a second thought. Again.. They have the two snakes I already have, and I know how to care for them properly. Btw, I got a snake rack.. type shelf.. thingy. So after my six month quarantine for each animal is up, I can keep 'em there. SO please let me know what you think. Give me any ideas.. I will not just say whatever, and let them continue to care for the snakes like that. so please provide some sort of solution. Also, even if I just care for the snakes, and find them a good home... I just want them to be happy. I know snakes don't really show any emotions but I swear that Python looked depressed. Maybe I am just getting a little emotional after seeing the snakes. But when you look at a snake that's been in a shed for about two months, and has probably had sheds like that for most of it's life, it's pretty sad. And it's not just the shed. They aren't trying to help it's sheds. That's what upsets me. They could fix all this, but they don't. Thanks for reading, please reply.

[Aaron_S]

Don't buy them....

That's silly and feeds their pockets to stay open...

[infernalis]

I applaud your desires, I applaud your compassion. Admirable traits in anyone.

However, do you realize that the pet store will restock? That's right, you gave 2 snakes a home, but now the imbiciles will replace the display animals with more, and the cycle repeats.

sometimes (not always) it's best to just let the animals die in the shop. Then the owners won't restock (most of them don't, I knew of one that did)

[Donnie]

If you buy them the shop will replace them with new snakes to abuse until you go in and buy those as well. The best thing you can do is not go to that shop again, ever.

[ErikBush97]

Here's the good news: They have about 15 empty snake enclosures. I say snake enclosures specifically, because they say "Albino corn snake" "Normal Ball Python", etc. but they're empty. The only guy who puts any effort in to care for the reptiles, said that I am the first person who's actually looked at them in months, and that they don't sell. So if they have about 15 empty enclosures, why wouldn't they restock right now? I think those are their last snakes. They said they are getting more bearded dragons soon, which they sell very good, as far as the same employee, James, says. So I think if they do ship more reptiles.. They will be beardies.

[ErikBush97]

Does anyone here live in Oregon? I know that snakes aren't the most common pets anywhere, but here, you may as well catch your hair on fire and walk down the street, if you own a snake.. You'll get the same looks. Snakes do NOT sell very well here, and not at all for some places.

[smy_749]

So get a job there and fix it.

[ErikBush97]

So get a job there and fix it.

I have to be 18. :(

[ErikBush97]

I have exhausted all other options (as far as I know) besides reporting them, and personally adopting the animals.

[Aaron_S]

Here's the good news: They have about 15 empty snake enclosures. I say snake enclosures specifically, because they say "Albino corn snake" "Normal Ball Python", etc. but they're empty. The only guy who puts any effort in to care for the reptiles, said that I am the first person who's actually looked at them in months, and that they don't sell. So if they have about 15 empty enclosures, why wouldn't they restock right now? I think those are their last snakes. They said they are getting more bearded dragons soon, which they sell very good, as far as the same employee, James, says. So I think if they do ship more reptiles.. They will be beardies.

I don't think you're getting the point...

Simply put, ANY money given to them is going to go towards buying more animals they can abuse and neglect. Doesn't have to be snakes specifically.

[ErikBush97]

I don't think you're getting the point...

Simply put, ANY money given to them is going to go towards buying more animals they can abuse and neglect. Doesn't have to be snakes specifically.

So I should just wait, and let that baby corn snake suffer for 10 more years? If it's lucky enough to be around that long. If I shouldn't rescue them, I am going to report the pet shop. Hopefully someone with animal control will realize how ****** they treat these animals.

[smy_749]

So I should just wait, and let that baby corn snake suffer for 10 more years? If it's lucky enough to be around that long. If I shouldn't rescue them, I am going to report the pet shop. Hopefully someone with animal control will realize how ****** they treat these animals.

You better get a list of almost every pet shop in the U.S. then while your at it. And its basically the whole ' Save one life, kill 5 more ' deal. Would you save one life if you knew 5 more would just replace it? You only make the situation worse and become part of the problem that way. Just let it go.

[shaunyboy]

imo if you buy the 2 neglected snakes from the pet shop,they will just bring in another 2 snakes to fill the empty tanks,starting the neglect all over again with 2 new snakes

imo you would be better to report the neglect to the relevant authorities

cheers shaun

[ErikBush97]

You better get a list of almost every pet shop in the U.S. then while your at it. And its basically the whole ' Save one life, kill 5 more ' deal. Would you save one life if you knew 5 more would just replace it? You only make the situation worse and become part of the problem that way. Just let it go.

I'll just call Animal Control or something then. I just want whatever is best for the snakes.

[ErikBush97]

imo if you buy the 2 neglected snakes from the pet shop,they will just bring in another 2 snakes to fill the empty tanks,starting the neglect all over again with 2 new snakes

imo you would be better to report the neglect to the relevant authorities

cheers shaun

Like I said, though. They have A LOT of empty snake enclosures. So they would have more if they were going to get more. I am just going to report them, And pray they find a better home or they're euthanized. It sounds mean, but it'd be better for them then sitting in a box full of month old poop, and shedding for months at a time, with too much heat, no humidity, not enough food, etc, etc, etc... Just feel bad for the little guys.

[ErikBush97]

I don't know which I feel worse for... The Python who's been in that environment for a longer time, or the baby, who's not going to grow to be a healthy snake if it's subjected to that crap for long.

[Aaron_S]

Let. It. Go.

[ErikBush97]

Let. It. Go.

I will.. Once the snakes aren't in that store.

[Donnie]

I will.. Once the snakes aren't in that store.

and then what if you go into another store and see more snakes/pets kept badly? Would you also buy them, and then visit another pet store (or one of the same ones after they have replaced the one you previously bought) and have to buy them? It is awful that some animals are kept this way but you can't save everything from being kept badly, such is life I am afraid.

[Aaron_S]

I guess you'll toss your ideas of being a breeder and become a rescue then?

[Lankyrob]

The other enclosures are probably empty cos the animals died, if these last two die without being bought then that should also kill off their idea of selling reptiles. However, if you buy these two they can probably use the money to restock five or six vivs "cos da snakessis be selling now". So you save two and comdemn a load more to abuse and suffering.

The best bet is to not use that store for ANYTHING, and spread the word through friends, family, school etc that this is why you are boycotting them. (dont do this inprint, just word of mouth - libel cases are easier to pursue than slander ;))

If enough people listen to you and also stop using the store they will either clean p their act or go out of business.

[KORBIN5895]

What kind of hours are you working?

[desipooh.12]

I understand where your coming from,
Its a rock in a hard place,
you want to do the right thing &
sometimes its better to let it take its course..
don't listen to the negativity on here,
just focus on the positive, by not helping the snakes your
saving other snakes In the process...

[StudentoReptile]

The best thing to do is simply not give them your business and advise others to do the same. Buying the snakes from this store is GIVING THEM BUSINESS, which is exactly what they want. You will only be throwing away money and letting them know that "Hey, we can even sell sick snakes and make some money! Let's order some more!" Is that what you want?

[StudentoReptile]

Maybe I missed something in the OP, but have you actually gone in and spoke with the management about helping them improve their husbandry? "Teach a man to fish..." so they say. Be polite and simply present your concerns and give them some pointers. Maybe they can work something out where you can get a discount on supplies if you come in every few days to help.

"Honey catches more flies than vinegar" right? If you go in there and act hostile, and start accusing, then nothing will get accomplished.

[Chris72]

I applaud your desires, I applaud your compassion. Admirable traits in anyone.

However, do you realize that the pet store will restock? That's right, you gave 2 snakes a home, but now the imbiciles will replace the display animals with more, and the cycle repeats.

sometimes (not always) it's best to just let the animals die in the shop. Then the owners won't restock (most of them don't, I knew of one that did)

Exactly this..! ^^^^

Additionally do everything you can to nit spend a single penny at those types of "pet stores". Get animals from breeders, buy supplies from Ppl of forums, a spot like BeanFarm or at the very least from a re-seller on eBay.

Bottom line:
if an establishment is mistreating animals do not supply them income!!