| Author | Subject: Ethics and Reptiles |
| Napa Valley Snake Abatement Service | Posted At 23:31:05 07/13/2001
Curious as to the ethics of some of our fellow reptile breeders/dealers.. Just after posting a few days ago how my internet dealings had run so smoothly, with nary a complaint against any particular dealer, I had that streak crushed today. Originally I was to receive 1.1 boas (I'll keep the specifics a little vague for now) of one species and another 1.1 of another. Though the guy sounded legitimate over the phone, and I've seen his postings on Kingsnake before, the following is what transpired. I was told a couple days prior to his shipping the reptiles that the male of one of the 1.1 groups had escaped at his facility. He did offer to deal me something else, or to make good on some of my cash back, and I still hope he honors that. The 3 animals I received were the real cause for my concern. The male of the remaining 1.1 is pretty much a disgrace for his species. Very small for his age with his eyes bugged out. Now I understand every snake can't be holdback quality, but he's dog-ugly and looks very unhealthy. Of course the even more surprising part of the deal was to follow after I emptied out the pillow case. The female he's paired with has two, large, distinguishable lumps in her body, along with what looks like incisions in her abdomen. My question is, how many other dealers out there would sell someone a snake that is deformed with possible surgery having been performed without telling the buyer?? To me it's totally unacceptable. We had at least 3 phone conversations, so the opportunity to say "you might want to know this about this snake" was certainly there, just not expressed. To tell the truth, I'll probably just eat the cost of the snakes and donate them to my son's school as they certainly won't go into my stock and will under no circumstances be resold to anyone.. I won't mention this dealers name at this time, but should his answers prove fruitless, I'll certainly be back with another post, along with some close up photos of the animals. Currently will be taking them down to the East Bay Vivarium to have them examine these pitiful specimens. Being here on the West Coast and his being on the East, only thing I can figure is he decided to send me junk figuring it wouldn't be worth my while to pursue some sort of action. Glad I've already got my tickets to the Daytona show Well enough venting, I'll let you know what happens when (or if ) he returns my calls or e-mails. Steve E Napa Valley Snake Abatement Service |
| JERRY TRESSER |
Re: Ethics and Reptiles
5792.html Posted At 05:44:35 07/14/2001 Your correct in your assumption that these person(s) think the road to your house does not lead back to theirs once they send you the animals. Not much you can do other than warn others. This is the business we chose, and these are the pitfalls that come with it. Buying sight unseen is a very risky business. The greater predators are with two feet always lurking and looking for an easy pray. Trying to deal honestly is a difficult procedure in this industry. The answer for me at least is to buy wherever I can "sight seen" . I empathise with your problem. I hope you decide to let everyone know on this forum whom you delt with. Witholding their name will only allow them to continue. |