A Warning about the ASPCA

[Pareeeee]

Sharing this for all you American herp owners.

This was on USARK's Facebook:

USARK - United States Association of Reptile Keepers
This holiday season, beware of the agenda of groups asking for money. The ASPCA publicly calls for an end to the exotic pet community. Behind the scenes, they are pushing to end your pet ownership and a very small portion of your donation helps dogs and cats. Fraudulent fundraising is commonplace with national "animal welfare" groups. Donate locally. Share and educate!

http://i.imgur.com/AgQjynV.png

[Joshchimera]

That ad they made is a bunch of bull crap....

[MDT]

bull crap because you disagree with the concept not owning pets, or bull crap because the ad itself is false?

care to elaborate?

[Zoo Nanny]

I was under the impression that the push by the ASPCA to ban exotics was geared primarily towards large cats, primates, bears and canines at this point. This came about after the incident where the man released his animals and committed suicide. I know on their website they say two different things so it's hard to know what they intend.

[reptiledude987]

Is there red tape involved in owning reptiles in the states? in Canada anything that gets over 6' has to be registered with spca but its a one time registration with no fee.

[IW17]

Depends on where you live. It varies state to state, and cities can have there own ordinances as well.

[LiL Zap]

Why not ban domestic felines that have caused the extinction of 33 species of birds? These organizations pick and choose what they stand for.

[IW17]

That's a great point. Cats are the most invasive species in the US by far. But these groups know that going after the second most popular pet in America is to ambitious. Gotta start on things more low key and work there way up.

[Aaron_S]

Is there red tape involved in owning reptiles in the states? in Canada anything that gets over 6' has to be registered with spca but its a one time registration with no fee.

Wait. What? This isn't true. There's no current blanket federal law or bylaw like that in Canada.

[NewSAHSnakeMom]

I think all these pet laws and bans are ridiculous. Granted I feel as long as the person and animal are happy and healthy then whatever! If someone wants to own a bear go for it! As long as that bear is fed and has plenty of room to do bear stuff then go for it. This is just a way to lessen their work load. So they don't have to make sure said bear is properly cared for. If they get a call about an abused bear they now can take said bear and remove it with actually seeing if it's cared for. Not that I think you should own a bear but to each their own. We are trying to rent and keep are snake, that's almost impossible! Thankfully today we are looking at a place where the landlord said "you didn't ask this question, what my wife doesn't know won't get you evicted!" In other words he's ok with it he just doesn't want his wife to know we have a pet! (They spent weeks getting that cat spray smell out, so theres a no pet policy now but since snakes don't smell that bad he'll let him slide) We had one lady say pets were fine until we said we had a snake,she turned white as a ghost and said "No snakes! They are evil!" That's the bible belt for ya!

[Zoo Nanny]

I think all these pet laws and bans are ridiculous. Granted I feel as long as the person and animal are happy and healthy then whatever! If someone wants to own a bear go for it! As long as that bear is fed and has plenty of room to do bear stuff then go for it. This is just a way to lessen their work load. So they don't have to make sure said bear is properly cared for. If they get a call about an abused bear they now can take said bear and remove it with actually seeing if it's cared for. Not that I think you should own a bear but to each their own. We are trying to rent and keep are snake, that's almost impossible! Thankfully today we are looking at a place where the landlord said "you didn't ask this question, what my wife doesn't know won't get you evicted!" In other words he's ok with it he just doesn't want his wife to know we have a pet! (They spent weeks getting that cat spray smell out, so theres a no pet policy now but since snakes don't smell that bad he'll let him slide) We had one lady say pets were fine until we said we had a snake,she turned white as a ghost and said "No snakes! They are evil!" That's the bible belt for ya!

No one should be able to own bears, large cats, primates, wolves and a few other large exotic animals. These are not pets and shouldn't be sold as such. Most people are clueless on the proper care and needs of these animals or of the dangers of them escaping. I've seen what happens to large cats that are bought as pets only to be relinquished because the owners are clueless on the cost and care they require. These are not kitties.:angry:
Ohio Man Kills Self, Sets Cheetahs And Tigers Free | KSBW Home - KSBW Home (http://www.ksbw.com/Ohio-Man-Kills-Self-Sets-Cheetahs-And-Tigers-Free/4909958)

[Aaron_S]

Scariest quote in that article...

"Ohio has some of the nation's weakest restrictions on exotic pets and among the highest number of injuries and deaths caused by them."

I'm not one for blanket bans of exotic animals however I'm also not one for no regulations.

[pdomensis]

I'm all for proving you can handle something potentially dangerous before you should be allowed to have it or use it. Cars, wild animals, weapons, time machines, etc. Take a course, get a license, get inspections.

[Zoo Nanny]

Luckily since this incident Ohio has strengthened their regulations on private ownership of exotic animals. The saddest thing about that happening was the numbers of animals that had to be shot and killed. The police, F&W and animals services had no choice but to shoot to kill many of the animals due to the danger to the public. They even contacted nearby zoos for the vets to assist. Some of the worst pictures I have ever seen was the cats lined up along side of the road dead. In the US the regulations are so off kilter it's ridiculous. In some states I can buy a tiger without training but can't participate in falconry without proper training and a permit.

[CosmicOwl]

Scariest quote in that article...

"Ohio has some of the nation's weakest restrictions on exotic pets and among the highest number of injuries and deaths caused by them."

I'm not one for blanket bans of exotic animals however I'm also not one for no regulations.

To me, this is a very serious issue with the reptile community. A lot of people seem to think that they should be able to own whatever they want without regulations. The result is that people and animals(mostly the animals) do suffer.

[IW17]

Luckily since this incident Ohio has strengthened their regulations on private ownership of exotic animals. The saddest thing about that happening was the numbers of animals that had to be shot and killed. The police, F&W and animals services had no choice but to shoot to kill many of the animals due to the danger to the public. They even contacted nearby zoos for the vets to assist. Some of the worst pictures I have ever seen was the cats lined up along side of the road dead. In the US the regulations are so off kilter it's ridiculous. In some states I can buy a tiger without training but can't participate in falconry without proper training and a permit.

The problem with this incident is that it went from no regulations, to way to many. If you want to own a snake over 12', it's $100k insurance, and a $150 permit per year. Permit, sure. One hundred thousand dollars insurance /bond? That's ridiculous. I can drive an automobile legally for half that.

And this is why I'm for educated regulation before an incident happens. At this point generally cool minds prevail. Once a tragedy happens, it's chaos.

[Zoo Nanny]

Actually it is only species specific venomous snake ownership that requires the liability insurance. Constrictors only require the permit. These new regulations also protect the animals by ensuring that the owners are caring for the animals properly and have veterinary care available.
Ohio Department of Agriculture | Ohio Dangerous Wild Animal Act (http://www.agri.ohio.gov/TopNews/DangerousWildAnimalAct/)

[Akuma223]

Luckily since this incident Ohio has strengthened their regulations on private ownership of exotic animals.


The event was tragic yes, and I agree the has to be regulation but you think the amount of regulation they've done is a good thing? They have way overstepped their bounds. From what I've read the was no grandfather clause, anyone who has a "dangerous" animal is terrified they will loose them. You think its okay that people are now afraid they will have no choice but to give their animals away? That people who have animals like foxes and bobcats who actually know how to care for them will probably loose their animals in the future? You lump everyone together thinking we are 100% ignorant and irresponsible, but then if you used to work in a zoo that's kinda their thing isn't it? Also what do you consider big cats? Do you think lions, tigers, etc or do you include servals and bobcats as well?

I agree completely that people need training and licenses to have animals like big cats, wolves, bears, hyenas, but it shouldn't be impossible.

[Zoo Nanny]

You lump everyone together thinking we are 100% ignorant and irresponsible, but then if you used to work in a zoo that's kinda their thing isn't it? Also what do you consider big cats? Do you think lions, tigers, etc or do you include servals and bobcats as well?

I agree completely that people need training and licenses to have animals like big cats, wolves, bears, hyenas, but it shouldn't be impossible.
Don't put words in my mouth and do your reading first. People have the opportunity to get permits for wild animals. I don't remember ever talking about fox, servals or bobcats. I'm not even sure if they are included. Do you know if they are included?
Tigers, lions, leopards, elephants and primates I don't think any private person should own. And yes I worked in a zoo with all of the animals I named. They are not easy animals to contain and provide proper care for. Where would someone find a vet to treat a tiger?
Ohio Department of Agriculture | Ohio Dangerous Wild Animal Act (http://www.agri.ohio.gov/TopNews/DangerousWildAnimalAct/)

[EL Ziggy]

[QUOTE=Zoo Nanny;941797]
Tigers, lions, leopards, elephants and primates I don't think any private person should own. They are not easy animals to contain and provide proper care for.

^^I couldn't agree more.^^

[CosmicOwl]

Honestly, I'm okay with restrictions on large crocodilians, turtles/tortoises, monitors and giant snakes. There are just too many of these animals dying in captivity due to owners who don't know what they're doing.

[IW17]

Actually it is only species specific venomous snake ownership that requires the liability insurance. Constrictors only require the permit. These new regulations also protect the animals by ensuring that the owners are caring for the animals properly and have veterinary care available.
Ohio Department of Agriculture | Ohio Dangerous Wild Animal Act (http://www.agri.ohio.gov/TopNews/DangerousWildAnimalAct/)

I'm glad you posted this. It must have been amended sometime recently. I know this summer it was required for all restricted snakes, including constrictors. I'm gonna call the number and verify this information.

[IW17]

Honestly, I'm okay with restrictions on large crocodilians, turtles/tortoises, monitors and giant snakes. There are just too many of these animals dying in captivity due to owners who don't know what they're doing.

Let's not kid ourselves. Animals of all shapes and sizes are dying unnecessarily due to owners who don't know what they're doing. Ball pythons and boas more than most.

[CosmicOwl]

Let's not kid ourselves. Animals of all shapes and sizes are dying unnecessarily due to owners who don't know what they're doing. Ball pythons and boas more than most.

I agree. But that's also because of the greed of breeders and the pet industry.

[Aaron_S]

To me, this is a very serious issue with the reptile community. A lot of people seem to think that they should be able to own whatever they want without regulations. The result is that people and animals(mostly the animals) do suffer.

It's a very serious issue for all exotics.

[Aaron_S]

...I agree completely that people need training and licenses to have animals like big cats, wolves, bears, hyenas, but it shouldn't be impossible.

I don't see where it's impossible at all. Looks like 200k in liability insurance and $250 bones for a permit for the animals you listed.

Is impossible to you because some poor schmuck can't own them and someone with a bit of money can? You know. The person able to afford proper and secure care.

[Zoo Nanny]

I'm glad you posted this. It must have been amended sometime recently. I know this summer it was required for all restricted snakes, including constrictors. I'm gonna call the number and verify this information.

Let me know what you find out. It's really hard sometimes to be sure that the information even government information is updated in a timely manner on the web.

[CosmicOwl]

It's a very serious issue for all exotics.

Definitely true. But I do see a lot of complaining about it from reptile people.

[Pareeeee]

Let's not kid ourselves. Animals of all shapes and sizes are dying unnecessarily due to owners who don't know what they're doing. Ball pythons and boas more than most.

It's a very serious issue for all exotics.

It's a very serious issue for all animals, even dogs and cats. BUT, people get punished for keeping cats and dogs in unsuitable living conditions, and rarely for doing the same to reptiles.

[IW17]

Let me know what you find out. It's really hard sometimes to be sure that the information even government information is updated in a timely manner on the web.
Will do. Hopefully whoever I speak to can give me a straight answer.

[Zoo Nanny]

Will do. Hopefully whoever I speak to can give me a straight answer.

Keep in mind you're dealing with the government, there are never straight answers!

[IW17]

Lmao isn't that the truth

[NewSAHSnakeMom]

No one should be able to own bears, large cats, primates, wolves and a few other large exotic animals. These are not pets and shouldn't be sold as such. Most people are clueless on the proper care and needs of these animals or of the dangers of them escaping. I've seen what happens to large cats that are bought as pets only to be relinquished because the owners are clueless on the cost and care they require. These are not kitties.:angry:
Ohio Man Kills Self, Sets Cheetahs And Tigers Free | KSBW Home - KSBW Home (http://www.ksbw.com/Ohio-Man-Kills-Self-Sets-Cheetahs-And-Tigers-Free/4909958)

I was using a bear sarcastically, I once remembered a guy who had one on tv. Besides I don't know anyone with the space to keep such a large animal. There would also be no way to keep it from escaping, which in my opinion is part of proper care. We keep our pet snakes and other "dangerous" pets in escape proof cages so the have less of chance to escape and harm people! Sorry if my sarcasm didn't come across!

[Zoo Nanny]

Not a problem, just spurs more dialogue which is a good thing. The problem with the large exotics isn't the escape proof cages. The problem is human error.

[pet_snake_78]

I don't like bans because there are always exceptions to the rule. Should the average joe own a bear? No. Could someone become trained enough to care for an injured bear or something? I don't see why not. Of course the person needs the right training, the right environment, the right insurance, etc. We all do dangerous things everyday. Driving cars is just one example. I have to get on my roof (very high) and clean the gutters. It's definitely not safe and there is a chance of significant injury. I still do these things even though I know they are not entirely without risk. We need to accept some risk. There is always a chance some person will commit suicide and turn his animals lose, but let's be real about how often that's likely to happen in comparison to everyday risks we are desensitized to. These people are against owning any and all animals, once they get one thing banned they just move on to the next. They have came right out and said no reptiles not even a leopard gecko, so how reasonable is that?

[NewSAHSnakeMom]

I could understand getting permits for certain animals to ensure that whomever is keeping a dangerous animal. Like some type of testing that keeps average Joe from owning said bear if Joe knew nothing about bears. But that would make our government actually work. But to ban all reptiles because some people released a big snake is ridiculous. Should we ban all writing utensils because someone could stab another person in the neck? (Disclaimer: not enough coffee in my system to think properly. If this doesn't make sense I blame that! Lmao)

[Zoo Nanny]

All you have to do is look at what happened the last time the federal government attempted to ban all exotic animals. It became a joke because they couldn't decide what was dangerous or invasive so it got thrown out. They had everything from elephants on down to parakeets listed. I think putting yourself at risk by doing daily activities is not a good comparison as putting not only yourself but the lives of others and the animal if you should forget to lock or fix that broken latch on the tiger cage and it gets out. I have no problem with individuals that want to do exotic animal breeding but it needs to be regulated for the welfare of the animals. That does not happen right now.