A post from another site I made:
Allow me to first introduce myself. I own a retail pet store as well with a heavy emphasis on reptiles. It is refreshing to me to see another store owner with the same restrictions as I have put into place in my own store (I have sold exactly one iguana, one sulcata, and one burm that was a rescue in almost a year AFTER interviewing the owners and after they purchased proper caging and did the appropriate research), and I see a growing trend that I fear is not happening quickly enough.
As reptile enthusiasts it is very easy for us to get caught up in our community, but we have to realize that we are in the vast minority. If a python ban were to go to vote I am fairly confident that it would pas by a fairly wide margin among the general public. And my family would sadly be among them.
The majority of the reptile and pet industry is involved for ONE reason: money. They are generally short sighted and would prefer to bitch and moan once something happens than to take the steps to prevent it. Pressure must be put on these stores with vocal and clear boycotts and disproval from their consumers toward stores that don't take proper care of their animals, sell their animals indiscriminately, and frequently push the big 5 without assuring an owners ability and maturity first (as well as other commonly released/abused species such as Sulcatas, Iguanas, and in my opinion aquatic turtles which I choose not to carry as well).
Further more, I think we need to be willing to face reality, and in some ways cut our losses. If we are to avoid a full on ban on our animals we are going to need to meet in the middle and do it now before something like that can pass (especially if another abused and underfed snake happens to kill a toddler due the parents neglect).
I believe that we need to begin a licensing and training program for animals that are deemed dangerous (ie the big 5, giant monitors, etc). This is an opinion I have received a lot of heat for from many other enthusiasts, but I think that, while it is unfortunate, it is our best realistic resolution to the mounting issue at hand. Believe me, i realize the risks of this resolution, which is why I think the reptile community needs to spearhead this first; so that we can have our educated and logical voices being heard during this process.
I think that people that are to retail ANY reptiles need to go to a training and certification course, as outlined by an organization such as USark so that the info is realistic and correct. I think that all large snakes should be kept in certified snake enclosures, not fish tanks; and I think that home-made enclosures should be able to be presented for inspection for a small fee. I also think that in order to purchase a giant or potentially dangerous reptile you should be presented care sheets provided by a government organization (ie animal control) and sign a legal document saying that you have read and agreed to providing the care that animal requires, punishable by fine and confiscation. I also think store owners should be certified to teach classes for ownership of these animals and a class should be required (for a small fee, partially payable to the store owner for their time).
I know it sounds extreme, and if the reptile community doesn't have a loud voice in the establishment of these policies it could be very negative; but I really believe that the reality is that if WE initiate this we can have our voices heard; and potentially stop the abuse of these animals, prevent accidents like the infant fatality that can be used as ammo, and present a logical and responsible face to the general public to represent our hobby. Thank you for your time and your consideration, and your added considerations to these thoughts.
Thank you
Roger Prows
Rockstar Pets
Tooele, Ut