I own 3 retics (2 of whom are rescues), a ball python and a leo and I'm proud of it. I also frown on wanton poaching/exploitation of animals in the wild.

Had one of those friendly discussions with my sister and she commented (she's not a big fan of my pets btw...) that if I really love my pets, I should set them free in the wild or give them up.

I of course explained to her that keeping a pet snake/gecko is (almost) no different from keeping a pet dog/cat...the only difference would be the husbandry techniques. It just so happens, reptile/exotic pet keeping is still relatively young, compared to keeping dogs (which I believe go way back, back in the days when man discovered fire) and cats (cat worship in ancient times anyone?)

Just need your two cents on something. If I am a reptile/exotic pet keeper and I also say that I do not condone wanton poaching/exploitation of animals in the wild, does this make me a hypocrite?

Thanks in advanced