Deeply saddened...

[jathoma]

I went to pick up a rat yesterday for Cain from the store I bought Cain at (I go every week) and I was shocked beyond belief.

Normally, on my Thursday runs, the BP's they have there are in the back "feeding", but yesterday they were out when I got there and I have to say, I was appalled by what I saw. Every one of them (at least 7) looked emaciated. And they each had leftovers of previous sheds and looked terribly dehydrated. I told the manager that they looked horrible and all she said was "well, we do the best we can with them". I felt like hitting her!

If I had the money I would have bought them all just to save them from the sure death they're facing there, but I just don't have the $79.99 they want for each of them (I have trouble feeding my 6 kids as it is).

Is there anything that can be done to save these poor snakes??

[JonD]

Call a local news paper about it, they love stories like that. It'll change the stores attitude!!!

[mark129er]

i bet they were all in one or two cages too, right. It is a shame that some, and I stress some, petstores lack either the expertise or the ambition to treat their animals properly. To me it would make good business sense to have healthy well cared for animals. Who would want to buy a half shed sick looking bp?? I sure as he!! wouldn't. It is a real shame, but all too common.

[Linds]

Originally posted by jathoma
If I had the money I would have bought them all just to save them from the sure death they're facing there, but I just don't have the $79.99 they want for each of them (I have trouble feeding my 6 kids as it is).

Problem with that is, that although their life would be spared, you would only be making the problem stronger. They would have more money in their pockets, good incentive, and an order already filled to bring in more snakes.

[JonD]

Originally posted by Linds
Problem with that is, that although their life would be spared, you would only be making the problem stronger. They would have more money in their pockets, good incentive, and an order already filled to bring in more snakes.

Excellent point Lindsay....

[elevation24]

We went to the same pet store I think you are talking about (based on the price of the balls) two days ago for water dishes and they had corn snakes who's water dishes were dry.

There's usually poop or urates in the ball cage, too.

[Syco]

I agree with JonD, call the local newspaper, humane society... anything that will bring them unwanted attention.
These places have to start understanding that this is not just "merchandise" that they are selling, they are living creatures and as such they have a responsibilty to make sure they are healthy and well taken care of.