Abused Reptiles. Who To Contact?
I have witnessed a university that has a reptile facility lab. The reptiles were without water for weeks at a time, animals were on the edge of death, all of them had heat rocks and bad heating/lighting (it was burning them), most of them were fed live despite the fact they did not eat live or were to weak to defend themselves (which resulted in wounds on the snakes), the geckos had no toes from what I'm assuming is shedding issues (which they all had), etc. This is just the start of the issue. And they are doing illegal activities with wild animals.
I would like to talk with people through private message on how I can possibly help these reptiles. I have more information about them that is important to consider, including videos, pictures, etc. I am sure the animal control will be useless, but I am considering calling the wildlife federation.
Thank you.
Re: Abused Reptiles. Who To Contact?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
wilomn
Whatever your State Dept. of Fish and Game is would be the place to start I suspect. Feel free to pm me what you have. You'll need to have all your ducks in a neat little line if doing this successfully is your goal.
This ^ to start and possibly the USDA, depending on who is funding the university and the stated purpose of their research. I don't know the specifics of the various Federal laws but I think it's the USDA or the FDA that have oversight over a university that receives Federal funding, dependent upon what research is being conducted and why. Start at the state level and go from there if you're not receiving any response or if they aren't willing to follow up on it. Make sure you have proof before you start anything...slander, libel, false reporting, etc. Not saying your case isn't with merit, just make absolutely certain of what you're doing before you do something you can't take back. Civil penalties and/or criminal charges could be levied against you if the case(s) are found to be without merit. Good luck with things and thanks for not running right off to PETA before giving legitimate agencies a chance to intervene; here's hoping they do!
