Hi,
I'm not sure I am really that defensive about it bearing in mind I am on a different continent and, as such, have a different set of laws and social mores to work with.
It honestly will never affect me one way or the other.
I just, honestly, cannot see any upsides to it.
I can see a lot of potential downsides. But not one upside. For either the snake or the hobby as a whole.
The media being what it is one person throwing a diamond back is represented as a much more common thing than it is and certainly gets more airtime than 100 responsible keepers and overly restrictive laws get passed as a result. I fully agree this is irrational and unfair. It still doesn't stop it being true.
For you a random encounter with a reptile bearing person was a positive experience. I'm just trying to point out that those for whom it will not be positive will be heard far louder and longer.
We are in a minority hobby that has problems being accepted by the average person. I just think prudence and consideration will avoid a lot more problems than any other approach.
I know it isn't a popular stance but, in cases like this, I feel flaunting your rights makes it more likely they will be taken away from you.
dr del
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