Warning: Disturbing Photos

[CTReptileRescue]

Hello friends,
I wanted to post this to show you all why stores selling iguanas is unethical. If all of the petsores across the US stopped all sales on iguanas, rescues across the states would sufficiently be able to fullfill the demand for them. Why are they farmed you may ask? Well they are cheap, people buy them on impulse and sadly this is what happens:






This is a five foot male iguana. He was dropped off at Rusty Reptiles doorstep in a cardboard box this morning. We found him at 8 am. There was no note, or any evidence of whom may have left him.
These photos were taken while he was still alive. After rushing him to the vet we found more health issues then I can list. Our DVM has estimated that this iguana has been suffering for well over a year. He regretfully had to be euthanised.
I normally do not post cases like this. Sadly, I am beside myself. I am so angry that these animals are handed out like candy at carnivals. It angers me that mankind is so inhumane.
I don't know if this case could be used as a positive lesson. But I sure hope that this animal didn't have to die in vein.
I hope he is finally at peace.
Rusty

[Marla]

Rusty,
That's terrible that iguana had to suffer so much. I also wish it were a lot harder to get iguanas (and burms, retics, etc.) so that people would be more likely to be prepared to actually care for them, like they are with some other reptiles.

[sophie42204]

How very sad! Speaking of being 'handed out like candy at a carnival', Mark and I were at a small church carnival several years ago and at the game where you win goldfish, they also had baby green iguanas as prizes. Mark won one and fortunately we are animal lovers and took care of him and he's still alive today in great health. I really didn't think he'd survive the night, but he did and I'm glad we were able to give him a good home. I was shocked that they were giving them away like that though......terrible!

[led4urhead]

Rusty,
I'm very sorry. The poor guy looks like he is in so much pain. I'm glad he is in a better place now.

I also wish it were a lot harder to get iguanas (and burms, retics, etc.) so that people would be more likely to be prepared to actually care for them, like they are with some other reptiles.

I agree 10000000%.

[elevatethis]

That just makes me so mad; why drag it out??? If something came up where I couldn't take care of my pets anymore, I'd have them at a shelter or find a new home before they'd even be hungry for their next meal.

Bottom line is that karma is a B*$&#. What goes around comes around and those people who let that happen to that Iguana will be no exception.

[Anonymous]

Seriously, I don't understand whats wrong with people.
If you can't take care of an animal atleast put them in a shelter or give them to someone that actually cares.

If only the owners of that little fellow actually felt how much pain he left.

[First_time_herp]

Sorry Rusty. Man, if only you had to havea liscence to own an iguana. Or if you wanted to get one you would have to somehow show that you can care for them properly.

[Anonymous]

If I was king of the world (which I will plan for the future), there would be a need for a liscense for all of the varanids over 6 feet, iguanas, water dragons, caimans, crocodiles, alligators, for all poisounous lizards and snakes, all snakes over 10 feet, all turtles that reach a carapace length of over 2 feet, and for all carnivorous fish.
Yes...
The world will be a great place...
God bless the iguanas!