Are you kidding me?!?! (Rant Warning)

[crazyj83]

I've contacted the local media/news stations and Fox23 is suposed to be going in and investigating the store. The investigation team lead told me they will send in an expert in reptiles amd get feedback from them, then if need be they will submit the issue to the proper authorities and go from there... I hope that atleast the embarrasment to the owners and bad publicity to the compamy will make them clean up their act and either learn more to properly care for animals or just stop selling them period. I'll keep everyone posted on the find I amd so on.

[Raptor]

..I honestly hope that you haven't messed things up for all of us. Considering what has gone on, it's generally not the best idea to get the media involved. I would not be surprised if they blow things out of proportion and their "expert" isn't one at all.

Like I've said repeatedly, yet no one has listened, this is the first time that this has happened. I have never seen the conditions that you claim. Frankly, it would have been smarter to go to the manager.

I just hope that you don't get anti-exotic pet legislation rolling in Oklahoma.

[enchantress62]

I honestly hope that you haven't messed things up for all of us. Considering what has gone on, it's generally not the best idea to get the media involved. I would not be surprised if they blow things out of proportion and their "expert" isn't one at all.

Like I've said repeatedly, yet no one has listened, this is the first time that this has happened. I have never seen the conditions that you claim. Frankly, it would have been smarter to go to the manager.

I just hope that you don't get anti-exotic pet legislation rolling in Oklahoma.

Umm As a die hard activist from way back I can assure you, Raptor, that the media wont take that line in this case. The media is interested in drama, "What makes the best story." They might profile both sides of the issue but they are going to focus on the drama and in this case the drama is lack of care. Besides the reptile opposers are not the only one's watching this kind of thing. Animal right's activists love the press too.

I know that Ohio is pressing for a ban but the bottom line is the profit margin... ALWAYS!!!!! and herping is a growing interest. I don't know for sure but my guess is that the reptile business is a multi billion dollar industry and the polititions have to focus on how such a thing will impact the economy.

To the OP, your actions might have been over kill but at least you did something. Kudos for that. If you or I got caught with a sick animal that we were obviously neglecting. We would at the very least get ticketed and/or fined. At the most go to jail. So, why should pet stores be allowed to abuse and/or neglect animals and keep getting away with it?

[crazyj83]

I spoke to the persons in charge of the store and they seemed to just blow me off and do nothing, I did not even get the expected "customer service" responce of "what can we do to fix this issue".

Raptor the investigators contacted me and made it very clear they are going to focus on pet stores not having proper training and care procedures. I explained to them that all I wanted was for the company to take responcibability, and seek vet care for the sick animals.
Now that being said, this is just a small reason I am reacting in this manor. I see things like this, if any of the herps have Samonilla, and say they get handed to an unknowing person or child? In adults, most Samonilla is just a bad day in bed and restroom, but with childeren... It gets much worse. Now i'm sorry but i'm pretty sure my media/press exposure of a company needing to clean up will do far less then a mass media of people getting sick and possibly death from sick reptiles... just saying

[Raptor]

Considering they've always done a segment poo-pooing exotic animal ownership (big cats and the like), I wouldn't be surprised if they somehow twist it.

[enchantress62]

Oh you must be talking about Animal Planet and the program's they show like "Fatal Attractions" Again it's all about the drama. Those are interesting and extreme stories that make for good TV but honestly how many times have you opened the local news paper and seen an article about someone getting attacked by their pet bp. lol Having used the media to effect change before I can tell you that they check their facts before going public, otherwise they look like idiots. The issue reported is inhumane conditions and that will be the story line unless information presented shows otherwise. The American public loves stories of the "Under dog" and the media knows this, that's why they wont likely change venues.

[Raptor]

..Uh. No. I'm talking about the local fox station doing a segment about exotic animals.

[crazyj83]

..Uh. No. I'm talking about the local fox station doing a segment about exotic animals.

I'm pretty sure your talkin about the once a week vet talk where in the end they are trying to find a home for the selected shelter animal?? Wow thats horrable that a new station would try to place an unwanted animal imto a loving home...< all sarcasticly said mind you... I do believe the other big issue they raised hell about.was animal hoarders and the new dog flippers on craigslist.. Again I feel your panicing over some unforseen reason. Or you have ties to the company in some way...

[Raptor]

...Stop making assumptions about what I've seen, honestly. It makes you look bad. Several weeks back, there was segment on exotic animals. As I said prior, they basically poo pooed exotic animal ownership.

Oh. Look. here's the article on the news segment: http://www.fox23.com/news/local/stor...CsKO8jh1g.cspx

The worst thing you could have done was go to the media. All they're interested in doing is sensationalism, and fox is known as one of the worst for spinning the truth.

[wilomn]

Having used the media to effect change before I can tell you that they check their facts before going public, otherwise they look like idiots. The issue reported is inhumane conditions and that will be the story line unless information presented shows otherwise. The American public loves stories of the "Under dog" and the media knows this, that's why they wont likely change venues.

Aside from my personal difficulty following your mosey to a conclusion, are you serious? They check facts otherwise they look like idiots?

I think in another post you or someone said they'll send in an expert to check things out? An expert in what? What qualifications make you an expert? Who will the person, supposedly an expert in something, be paid by?

Publicity may not be bad, but it isn't always good and is often incorrect.

I also like how you've "used" the media before. Complain much?

The pictures weren't great. We have one person's opinion and that person means well but is also not an expert. Then some of you start piling on making all kinds of wild ASSumptions.

Facts people. You really need facts. Better pictures, better yet, video. Maybe someone local who IS an expert could go take a look.

I see good intentions but not positive outcomes.