Why I won't buy from a pet store

So I went to buy frozen mice at my local pet store and this is what I come across..

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/07/04/utenu9ab.jpg

Does this snake even have a chance at surviving? It looks very starved and dehydrated. It also has burns on it that are not visible in the picture. I talked to management and they replied "oh it just stopped eating it should eat soon." Do you guys have any idea who I can specificly report this too so I could help it out?

That's absurd...it's skin and bones...I would have been really tempted to give "management" a good throttling...surely there's somewhere you could report this. That's got to qualify as mistreatment or cruelty or something. I've seen some pretty pitiful pet store photos, but that takes the cake. :rage:

http://www.aspca.org/aspca-nyc.aspx

I don't know if it would do any good, but that's the website for the ASPCA in NY. Mouse over the "Fight Animal Cruelty" tab and click on "Report Animal Cruelty".

Oh my god, I'm not sure I've ever seen a snake that is literally skin and bones. This is just horrifying. Did you end up buying feeders from them? I'm not sure I'd have given them my money at all. :(

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 4 Beta

:O Man is that baby in bad shape! I rescued a female ball python last summer who was 6 months old and 44g. She was skinny, but not THAT skinny! I would definitely report that petstore and see if you can't bring that baby home and get it back to health (without paying for it, of course).

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by coleworld

So I went to buy frozen mice at my local pet store and this is what I come across..



Does this snake even have a chance at surviving? It looks very starved and dehydrated. It also has burns on it that are not visible in the picture. I talked to management and they replied "oh it just stopped eating it should eat soon." Do you guys have any idea who I can specificly report this too so I could help it out?

---

Care to share the name or contact info for this pet store?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Archimedes

Oh my god, I'm not sure I've ever seen a snake that is literally skin and bones. This is just horrifying. Did you end up buying feeders from them? I'm not sure I'd have given them my money at all. :(

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 4 Beta

---

Nope. I left and went somewhere else. They usually take great care of their animals but since this store is under new management the reptiles have been getting treated poorly. Oh and to make it worse that snake is 6 months old according to them.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by sho220

Care to share the name or contact info for this pet store?

---

http://www.petsuppliesplus.com/

Their are a lot of these stores.. Kind of like a Petco but I think just all over the North East. And I was going to call corporate but each store is individually owned and franchised.

Sadder still, given then chance, they'd probably sell that snake(and $100 worth of supplies) to some unfortunate novice - knowing full well the snake is as good as doomed.

That is absolutely awful! That poor thing! I would rip them a new you-know-what and demand they give me that snake as a rescue because clearly they aren't caring for it properly. Oh this makes me mad!

Jesus, that poor thing. I've never seen a snake like that. Definitely contact ASPCA, offer to take the snake too while you're at it- if you can, or can find a new home for it :/ Even if something is individually owned and franchised they still answer to a corporate office. I worked for Anytime Fitness, which is a franchise and individually owned- however, they all have to meet corporate standards and answer to them.
If nothing else, contact the owner, forget the manager.

Oh the poor baby - that is just disgusting they would let that animal get into that state! If you have a local facebook group for reptiles or ball pythons, please post the pic and name the store so that people stop shopping there. I would also link to it in yahoo, yelp, google, etc. reviews of it. The only way to stop this behavior is to deny the store $$$. Also each locality has an animal control or ASPCA that investigates neglect cases, hopefully the link above will work for you.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by DestinyLynette

Jesus, that poor thing. I've never seen a snake like that. Definitely contact ASPCA, offer to take the snake too while you're at it- if you can, or can find a new home for it :/

---

I would take it but I live in a apartment and have no room since I have 3 snakes now. I really wish I could but may find someone who could assist feed this poor snake. The picture does not capture how skinny it really is, I can see its individual ribs..

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by coleworld

I would take it but I live in a apartment and have no room since I have 3 snakes now. I really wish I could but may find someone who could assist feed this poor snake. The picture does not capture how skinny it really is, I can see its individual ribs..

---

Obviously I don't want to sound pushy, but this guy couldn't take up too much space. The care you would give him would trump any sort of care that he is getting in that tank. I'm willing to bet he's probably riddled with mites too. Itchy as hell & bitten all over. Gosh, I wish I could go get him :(

If taking him in is absolutely out of the question then definitely call the ASPCA. He deserves so much better than to wither away.

That poor baby!!! This might sound odd but this is why I actually do not mind buying from them... At least with ppl like us we know they will be raised properly.

Now Cole, what would it take for you to take him in? I would happily donate to you for supplies and I'm willing to bet some others here would as well.

Double-edged sword...taking this guy will just open up space for the next victim...oops...I mean snake...:mad:

Donations aside, I'd go to the store manager & demand they supply me with not only the snake, but all the things I would need to nurse him back to health. If they didn't agree, I'd raise hell & threaten to not only call the ASPCA & have them investigated, but to also post on every forum in the reptile community exposing them for their incredibly poor treatment of their snakes. Guaranteed they'd roll over & agree to give you what you need. No employee in that store that are in their right mind would say that that snake "just missed a few meals & will eat soon." I'm willing to bet that poor thing hasn't eaten much at all in it's short little life.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by sho220

Double-edged sword...taking this guy will just open up space for the next victim...oops...I mean snake...:mad:

---

This snake will die in that tank, therefore opening up new space anyway. I'd much rather take him in with good conscience and hope to bring him back to health than to think about him every night, wondering how hungry he must be, how itchy he must be & then going back and seeing a new one in his place, knowing he probably died an awful death.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by M&NSnakeDen

This snake will die in that tank, therefore opening up new space anyway. I'd much rather take him in with good conscience and hope to bring him back to health than to think about him every night, wondering how hungry he must be, how itchy he must be & then going back and seeing a new one in his place, knowing he probably died an awful death.

---

Unfortunate, but you're probably right...

I ran I to a similar situation recently and am still trying to decide what to do. Thankfully mine is really a matter of cleanliness and proper enclosures as these snakes seemed to be appropriate weights. Since its a small shop, I'll likely end up volunteering there in an effort to educate them. Unfortunately, probably isn't a option in this case.

I wouldn't be able to help myself, I'd go buy him after a quick trip to pick up a tub and cheap supplies even if it meant rearranging a closet for space.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by sho220

Unfortunate, but you're probably right...

---

Gosh, I'M going to be thinking of this poor baby all night :(

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by MsMissy

I wouldn't be able to help myself, I'd go buy him after a quick trip to pick up a tub and cheap supplies even if it meant rearranging a closet for space.

---

Exactly. I would MAKE any room possible for this baby. GAH! I can't believe anyone that works in that store hasn't realized that this snake is in serious need of some rehabilitation.

He's not going to survive much longer in those conditions.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by M&NSnakeDen

Donations aside, I'd go to the store manager & demand they supply me with not only the snake, but all the things I would need to nurse him back to health. If they didn't agree, I'd raise hell & threaten to not only call the ASPCA & have them investigated, but to also post on every forum in the reptile community exposing them for their incredibly poor treatment of their snakes. Guaranteed they'd roll over & agree to give you what you need. No employee in that store that are in their right mind would say that that snake "just missed a few meals & will eat soon." I'm willing to bet that poor thing hasn't eaten much at all in it's short little life.

---

Were that my store I'd toss your rude ass out on the street.

We have NO idea what the story is here. Maybe they've done a lot to help it and it just isn't responding. Maybe they didn't. Before you all go shooting off your yaps try getting some facts. Running to the ASPCA or anyone without know what's really going on is just irresponsible.

If it's an import, it simply may have come in that way. We don't know. New management or no, facts NEED to be known before people go making a fuss.

And, if you were to buy that snake and they were responsible for it, you will simply be encouraging them to do the same again. Sad as it is, in the long run it is better for them to eat the loss than for someone else to pay and then lose it.

Use your brains folks, not just your emotions.

Ok, everyone take a deep breath..... Yes that snake is in BAD shape, (surprised it's still alive in that condition) but does that mean that the pet store is neglecting the thing....NO... There is obviously something wrong with it, if it's not eating at that age. And by the way, thats some damn clean aspen for someone to be neglecting a snake on, don't ya think. Look, it happens, sometimes ya get a snake that won't eat. I'm bettin it's ate up with parasites, and they don't want vet bills. Who's gonna spend 200 bucks on a 30 dollar animal....NOT pet stores....They are about the bottom line....

The only thing I blame them for is displaying the snake in that deathly state. But I don't think any of us have the right to judge, convict and execute this business because he has a reptile that won't eat.

I've got a ton more to say about this but I'm just gonna shut up.....

Dang Wilomn ya just beat me too some of what I was tryin to say.....

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by wilomn

Were that my store I'd toss your rude ass out on the street.

We have NO idea what the story is here. Maybe they've done a lot to help it and it just isn't responding. Maybe they didn't. Before you all go shooting off your yaps try getting some facts. Running to the ASPCA or anyone without know what's really going on is just irresponsible.

If it's an import, it simply may have come in that way. We don't know. New management or no, facts NEED to be known before people go making a fuss.

---

I'm sorry, but if that's the case then the snake shouldn't be on the sales floor with a price tag on it. Every shop I know has a back room where sick or unthrifty animals are taken so that they can be treated, kept in a quiet environment so they're not stressed by the flow of humanity wandering by, and they are away from the healthy animals on the floor so that diseases don't spread.

Quote:

---

And, if you were to buy that snake and they were responsible for it, you will simply be encouraging them to do the same again. Sad as it is, in the long run it is better for them to eat the loss than for someone else to pay and then lose it.

---

Very true. Paying the store anything for that animal will only encourage more of the same poor behavior if it's the store's fault the animal is in that condition.

Shouldn't someone work there that knows these 'animals'? In all fairness, the OP inquired as to the whys of his condition and quite honestly, their answer doesn't wash. If nothing else, this snake should not be displayed for sale while they are 'attempting' to nurse it to health and put some weight on it.

Ignorance is no excuse for neglect, period.... If you take offense to us letting our emotions dictate how we respond to an obviously distressed and dying snake, I'd say I'm sorry, but I'd be lying.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by wilomn

Were that my store I'd toss your rude ass out on the street.

We have NO idea what the story is here. Maybe they've done a lot to help it and it just isn't responding. Maybe they didn't. Before you all go shooting off your yaps try getting some facts. Running to the ASPCA or anyone without know what's really going on is just irresponsible.

If it's an import, it simply may have come in that way. We don't know. New management or no, facts NEED to be known before people go making a fuss.

And, if you were to buy that snake and they were responsible for it, you will simply be encouraging them to do the same again. Sad as it is, in the long run it is better for them to eat the loss than for someone else to pay and then lose it.

Use your brains folks, not just your emotions.

---

There's absolutely no reason for any pet store to have a snake (or any animal) in THAT bad of shape. I'll gladly be called a rude ass for sticking up for the care of ANY animal and you bet your ass I'd make a fuss if I came across something like that. No hesitations.

Maybe it did come in that way. Totally possible. But you either A) take it to some sort of rescue society knowing it could get proper MEDICAL care whether it be tube feeds, IV fluids, antibiotics, mite treatments or B) if you're confident enough nurse it back to health in the store, do your company name a favour & DON'T put it on sale display.

If they've tried & it isn't responding to any feeding attempts, I second my previous comment. You don't let an animal get like that. Take it somewhere where someone can give it far more attention.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by MsMissy

Shouldn't someone work there that knows these 'animals'? In all fairness, the OP inquired as to the whys of his condition and quite honestly, their answer doesn't wash. If nothing else, this snake should not be displayed for sale while they are 'attempting' to nurse it to health and put some weight on it.

Ignorance is no excuse for neglect, period.... If you take offense to us letting our emotions dictate how we respond to an obviously distressed and dying snake, I'd say I'm sorry, but I'd be lying.

---

Ditto to this entire post.

While I agree that it shouldn't be out on the floor, we don't know what the situation is at that store. Maybe they don't have a back room. Maybe the new manager is not a reptile person. We are reptile people and know just by looking that it's in poor shape. Again, facts before stupidity. We don't have facts, we have emotions. I prefer facts.

That snake probably should be euthanized. As was mentioned above, it's a 30.00 dollar snake. While we might prefer that it be treated, it makes more business sense to put it down.

Pointing this out to the management, OFFERING to take it off their hands, without "forcing" them to give you anything, which was a joke to begin with, might produce a better outcome, but that snake looks pretty bad. Why jump right to aggressive righteousness when you have a chance of educating someone who simply doesn't know better? Jump down the guys throat and why should he give a rat's patootie what you think?

Ok, everyone take a deep breath..... Yes that snake is in BAD shape, (surprised it's still alive in that condition) but does that mean that the pet store is neglecting the thing....NO... There is obviously something wrong with it, if it's not eating at that age. And by the way, thats some damn clean aspen for someone to be neglecting a snake on, don't ya think. Look, it happens, sometimes ya get a snake that won't eat. I'm bettin it's ate up with parasites, and they don't want vet bills. Who's gonna spend 200 bucks on a 30 dollar animal....NOT pet stores....They are about the bottom line....

The only thing I blame them for is displaying the snake in that deathly state. But I don't think any of us have the right to judge, convict and execute this business because he has a reptile that won't eat.

I've got a ton more to say about this but I'm just gonna shut up.....

For all the people thinking we're too hasty in thinking with our emotions...how about you flip the coin, here. Put a child in the place of this snake. Imagine seeing a 6 month old infants's ribs, his muscles, skin clearly dehydrated & lethargic. Maybe he has a rash. Then imagine talking to his mother about it, to which she replies, "oh yeah, he's just missed a couple meals. He'll eat soon." You tell me what you'd do. Would you think to yourself "Oh, I don't know the full situation. I won't judge. I'm sure she's an okay mother and I'd be a rude ass to think otherwise." Or would you think to yourself "this woman has no right to have her child in her custody. That baby needs help" and call child protective services? Guarunteed you'd choose the latter & if not, you have far bigger issues to worry about than an outspoken customer complaining about the condition of the animals in your store.

New managers, lack of education, lack of space. There's nothing that could make that situation okay. A snake like that needs to be at a vet or in the care of someone who can give it what it needs. Anyone with eyes can see that.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by coleworld

http://www.petsuppliesplus.com/

Their are a lot of these stores.. Kind of like a Petco but I think just all over the North East. And I was going to call corporate but each store is individually owned and franchised.

---

Definitely call corporate then.
Send a pic of the snake with the demand that a vet or yourself (if you think you have the ability) rehabilitate this animal.
Corporate cannot allow this franchisee to devalue the entire franchise :colbert:, that would be less money for corporate and a boat-load if ticked off franchisee`s:cens0r:.
It wouldn`t hurt to make a youtube video documenting the animal and the store, share that with corporate and advise them that the video will go public if your concerns are not handled promptly. It aslso wouldn`t hurt any to mention you are a long standing customer (i.e. you already help pay their bills) and, if dealt with satisfactorily you would continue doing business with them.
With a bit of luck they will improve their training regimen over this.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by M&NSnakeDen

For all the people thinking we're too hasty in thinking with our emotions...how about you flip the coin, here. Put a child in the place of this snake. Imagine seeing a 6 month old infants's ribs, his muscles, skin clearly dehydrated & lethargic. Maybe he has a rash. Then imagine talking to his mother about it, to which she replies, "oh yeah, he's just missed a couple meals. He'll eat soon." You tell me what you'd do. Would you think to yourself "Oh, I don't know the full situation. I won't judge. I'm sure she's an okay mother and I'd be a rude ass to think otherwise." Or would you think to yourself "this woman has no right to have her child in her custody. That baby needs help" and call child protective services? Guarunteed you'd choose the latter & if not, you have far bigger issues to worry about than an outspoken customer complaining about the condition of the animals in your store.

New managers, lack of education, lack of space. There's nothing that could make that situation okay. A snake like that needs to be at a vet or in the care of someone who can give it what it needs. Anyone with eyes can see that.

---

It's not a child. It's stupid to make the comparison. It's a snake. It's value is 20.00. Sometimes life sucks, but that's the way it is.

.......:omg:

ANYWAY!
I'd really like to hear any updates. OP, let us know if you have or will be taking any more steps in helping this little guy.

Would you feel the same if it was a puppy? Or a kitty, any animal with big brown eyes staring at you begging for help. The difference here is this poor snake can't show us that, doesn't mean he isn't suffering.

This will forever be the difference between men and women, we can't help our compassion. It's inbred... Especially for those of us fortunate enough to be mothers.

*sighs* I too would like updates... If I was anywhere near that poor guy he'd be in my house tomorrow.

My .02 cents worth. All emotion aside, I would NOT suggest purchasing the animal. I would contact local ASPCA or some form of enforcement agency. They DO NOT come in guns blazing and shut down a store, they DO an investigation into the animals health, and any other animal present. If there is unlawful acts, neglect, or anything else taking place, THEY will take care of it. Its incredibly unfortunate that this animal is suffering, but proper steps need to be taken to ensure that if there is in fact something unlawful happening its properly handled.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by MsMissy

Would you feel the same if it was a puppy? Or a kitty, any animal with big brown eyes staring at you begging for help. The difference here is this poor snake can't show us that, doesn't mean he isn't suffering.

This will forever be the difference between men and women, we can't help our compassion. It's inbred... Especially for those of us fortunate enough to be mothers.

*sighs* I too would like updates... If I was anywhere near that poor guy he'd be in my house tomorrow.

---

Ok um I am obviously a female by my user name but I would NEVER pay for that snake. I would take it off their hands if I had the room and try to educate them for future instances, but I would never encourage them to keep doing this to future snakes by making a pity purchase. I'm also an avid betta fish lover and have done a lot of research and plan to breed them in the future. I go to petshops and see them mistreated all the time and on the verge of dying. I refuse to buy those fish. Doesn't matter what animal it is, whether it be a cat, dog, horse, whatever I would never pay for a sickly, mistreated animal. All they care about is the money so why would I give them money to do it to the next animal? You've gotta think about the broader picture.

And the whole thinking with your heart and not your head really grinds my gears. It's the reason things like horse slaughter plants getting shut down happen. That's a whole different debate but with the same principle. You've gotta put logic before your feelings, because when you don't the animals suffer for it.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by wilomn

Running to the ASPCA or anyone without know what's really going on is just irresponsible.

---

Isn't that the ASPCA's purpose? To find out what's really going on?

Unless that snake has had medical care, it's animal cruelty.
From the ASPCA website:

What constitutes animal cruelty?
Animal cruelty occurs when someone intentionally injures or harms an animal or when a person willfully deprives an animal of food, water or necessary medical care. Here are some signs that may indicate abuse or neglect:

• Tick or flea infestations
• Wounds on the body
• Patches of missing hair
• Extremely thin, starving animal <<< I'd say it's starving. How about you wilomn?
• Limping
• An owner striking or otherwise physically abusing an animal
• Dogs who are repeatedly left alone without food and water, and often chained in a yard
• Dogs who have been hit by cars—or are showing any of the signs listed here—and have not been taken to a veterinarian
• Dogs who are kept outside without shelter in extreme weather conditions
• Animals who cower in fear or act aggressively when approached by their owners

There's an animal in my community who isn't being cared for properly—is that cruelty?
Yes, it is. You don't have to hit an animal to be cruel to him—depriving an animal of food, water or necessary medical care is neglect, which is a form of cruelty.

If the ASPCA doesn't handle this kind of incident, what the heck do they do?

I didn't see anything on their website that mentioned the value of the animal will determine whether it's cruelty or not. :confusd:

Thank you!

Life in any form, human or animal is a gift & therefore it is priceless. Just because we can slap a $20 on the counter and call it a pet doesn't mean that it's somehow less deserving of being treated or defended as we would our own young.

I would say NOT running to the ASPCA is irresponsible, just as I'd say NOT reporting a neglectful mother to child protective services is irresponsible.

See I don't have a problem with people reporting to the ASPCA without further knowledge. It happened to the ranch I board my horse at. We had a lot of old horses that we were doing our best to keep weight on, but old age was just catching up to them (they were in their 30s). People saw them out grazing on the pastures and the ASPCA came out and talked to the ranch about it. The ranch just explained to them their age, they saw the care that was being put into them, and just advised that the ranch should think about putting them down before winter because it was going to be a harsh one. The ranch had already planned to put them down before the winter, but was giving them one last shot. No harm done.

And no pets do not belong in the same category as human children. If you eat any kind of meat or use any animal products then you too are using animals for your benefit. That's what they're here for our use, but we need to treat them with respect. If you want to say an animal needs to be defended as much as a human child I would expect you to be a vegan then. An animal is not equal to a human. There's no sense in comparing the two.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Marrissa

An animal is not equal to a human.

---

If a stray dog and Kim Kardashian are both choking on chicken bones, I'm helping the dog first...:)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by sho220

If a stray dog and Kim Kardashian are both choking on chicken bones, I'm helping the dog first...:)

---

lol now that I can agree with. I've never watched any show with her on it, or keep up with her in any of the news. But just from seeing commercials of her stupid show while waiting for mine to come back on, I would totally help any animal out first.

Hey Wilomn, what happened to the $30 price tag? There wasn't enough information there on that snake to be that expensive so they knocked off ten bucks? I for one would not take the snake, in spite of keeping my funds and my collection under control and in good position, I know what you're thinking, "Oh, one snake, especially not a normal can't break the bank!" but they can! You toss vet bills for this guy in, the time you're going to spend force feeding it, etc. and you've lost a nice chunk of change for something that may not even make it. I would much rather see the ASPCA brought in, and allow them to deal with this part of the scum of the Earth. :mad:

/rant off.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by sho220

If a stray dog and Kim Kardashian are both choking on chicken bones, I'm helping the dog first...:)

---

^ Word.

Wow. That snake does look horrible. I used to go to Pet Supplies Plus years ago when I lived closer to Milwaukee. Back then all they had for live animals were fish. Things like this are always hard. I agree that the ASPCA or some kind of humane law enforcement should be called. While my first urge is like many others to buy it and try to nurse it back to health,Like others have said they will just get more. It's kind of the same scenario as puppy mill puppies. You want to buy the poor puppy locked in the pet store cage...but all that does is open that cage for a new puppy straight from the mill.

Things like this have no easy or quick answers. If you buy that snake sure you might save that snake,but who is going to save the next one? What I think really needs to happen is call the ASPCA and contact the corporate office for Pet Supplies Plus. Maybe they will get someone in there with more knowledge of reptiles and hopefully if it is neglect the ASPCA will find it and act accordingly.

I do feel really really bad for that snake though. He must be suffering terribly. :(

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by M&NSnakeDen

For all the people thinking we're too hasty in thinking with our emotions...how about you flip the coin, here. Put a child in the place of this snake. Imagine seeing a 6 month old infants's ribs, his muscles, skin clearly dehydrated & lethargic. Maybe he has a rash. Then imagine talking to his mother about it, to which she replies, "oh yeah, he's just missed a couple meals. He'll eat soon." You tell me what you'd do. Would you think to yourself "Oh, I don't know the full situation. I won't judge. I'm sure she's an okay mother and I'd be a rude ass to think otherwise." Or would you think to yourself "this woman has no right to have her child in her custody. That baby needs help" and call child protective services? Guarunteed you'd choose the latter & if not, you have far bigger issues to worry about than an outspoken customer complaining about the condition of the animals in your store.

New managers, lack of education, lack of space. There's nothing that could make that situation okay. A snake like that needs to be at a vet or in the care of someone who can give it what it needs. Anyone with eyes can see that.

---

I wouldn't do any of the things you suggest. I'd march right up to the mother and demand that she relinquish the child to me immediately, along with its crib, bottles, formula, and diapers!

It's just a $20-30 snake?...
Hamsters are only $10-15... can I buy one just to toss it in a microwave?
No?
Why not?
Maybe because that's long suffering and cruelty.
Animal cruelty does NOT stop at a price tag... sorry.

Ditto with everyone else- it's worth reporting to the ASPCA; it fits the criteria- deprivation of food, or even if it's "not eating", it's being deprived of medical care (for the sake of the bottom line- you're right). If we don't know the whole store, ASPCA is more than capable of finding that out... If it was a puppy, it'd already be reported and out of custody.

EDIT: Oh, and just to throw this out there, I took a $10 hamster to the vet to earn a $115 vet bill. Why? Because something was wrong with it, and it was my RESPONSIBILITY as her caregiver to do my best to take care of her. Did it suck, yes, but it was the right thing to do.

I didnt think this would get so opinionated so quick. As for some saying its a $30 snake and to let it die.. You all love this hobby money aside right? Most of you must have started off with one normal at some point in your hobby. Isnt that what started it all? I care for every animal and I only have 3 snakes and do not plan to breed yet, but if you hatched out a normal in a clutch would you neglect ot because it was only $30? I am not trying to start a problem there but that snake should not be offered for sale and it needs help ASAP. If they cannot provide it, which they are not, my question was if there is someone I could contact. I may go back and try to get it for free and tell them I will try to nurse it back to health. Then I will find a home for it when it is healthy and put on lots of weight. I agree about not being neglected.. the other 2 ball pythons are fat and healthy just covered in burns from climbing the unprotected light bulbs in their tank. I dont know why they would put those in all the reptile tanks including aboreal lizards and frogs. But they should hand that snake over to me free of charge. A sick dog and a sick snake are the same in my eyes.I hate seeing an animal suffer and if I can provent it I will.

Just some food for thought here. The ASPCA does not believe that reptiles should be kept as pets at all. http://www.aspca.org/adoption/adopti...c-animals.aspx Do you REALLY wish to report something to them that will just add fuel to their animal rights agenda?

Yes the snake looks starved and dehydrated and it should NOT be on the sales floor, but it's impossible to accurately access an animals health from a picture. As someone who has volunteered for a reptile adoption program for over 10 years, I've had ACTUAL experience working with snakes that looked like this, and no this is NOT the worst I've ever seen. Some have been turned around with nothing more then a little TLC and some simply didn't thrive no matter what was tried. Just because something LOOKS bad does not mean it's at deaths doorstep.

Going in and making demands of the owner will do nothing more then fill THEM with righteous indignation as they show you to the door or call the cops. Having a rational discussion about why the snake should not be on the sales floor, why having a sickly animal on display reflects poorly on their business and giving them advice on how they can better care for it will go MUCH further then stomping around and making demands. Believe it or not, pet stores are not gold mines, people will generally open a pet store because they actually like animals. They just may not have experience or knowledge of of how to properly care for every species they carry. If you can convince them of your genuine concern and willingness to share your knowledge they may even thank you for helping them out with their problem.