What Do You Think I Should Do?

[StudentoReptile]

Just FYI...

The Animal Welfare Act: 7 USC 2131 et seq. - The definition of "animal" is "Any live or dead dog, cat, monkey (non-human primate mammal) guinea pig, hamster, rabbit, or such other warm-blooded animal, as the Secretary may determine is being used, or is intended for use, for experimentation, research, testing or exhibition purposes, or as a pet. - Cold-blooded animals are not part of the definition of "animal" pursuant to the Federal AWA.

So for everyone who advocates to call animal control or whatever to help out in these cases, it probably will not result in anything, for this reason. Reptiles are not technically considered "animals" according to welfare law, so they do not have to or cannot do much of anything.

[Lankyrob]

Originally Posted by StudentoReptile

Just FYI...



So for everyone who advocates to call animal control or whatever to help out in these cases, it probably will not result in anything, for this reason. Reptiles are not technically considered "animals" according to welfare law, so they do not have to or cannot do much of anything.

Wow, that is pretty shocking, over here "any living creature" is covered under animal welfare laws and more and more of the "stack em high, sell em cheap" reptile shops are getting shut down by the authorities due to poor care/housing.

[StudentoReptile]

Yeah, I mean...I don't agree with it, obviously...just pointing it out.

[Revenant]

Many state animal cruelty laws have no such exceptions, however. Some smaller local bodies (counties, cities, etc) may also have additional laws. Plus, any negative interaction with animal control or bad publicity may influence the business even if there is no criminal law threat behind it.