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

[crazyj83]

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.

I think your mistaking my post with another post, I have never used the media before this point, also I did not post any pictures. I feel I had no other options then to do what I did. Forthermore there is not going to be any stories done due to the owners of the company responding to the investigators and showing they have cleaned or replaced all enclosures and have all reptiles under the care of an exoctic animal vet. So all is well and in the end the Animals win.

[wilomn]

If you look at my post you'll see that I quoted someone in it. That someone was not you.

[enchantress62]

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.

No, I believe he or she is quoting me. Wilomn, I'm not sure where the anger is coming from but you are right about one thing. I am new to this hobby and maybe you know something I don't but I know a thing or two about the press, and how it works, having been an activist for the homeless for nine years. We used the news in various ways to effect change.

That said, I believe that I am entitled to my opinion just like you are. You have every right to disagree with me but publicly flogging me for expressing my thoughts is not only rude but uncalled for.

Also, If I'm not mistaken, the OP shared an experience they had with a pet store who wasn't taking care of the animal's we all love and because he/she was concerned took action.

Instead of attacking, maybe you could tell us what you would do if you had witnessed what they had.

[h&tmaster]

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.

woohoo! that was a fabulous idea! no one wants bad publicity or to be made to look bad. i really hope that lites a fire under their rears!

[h&tmaster]

i would really like to know the outcome on this one. maybe try pulling up the story after it airs. would like to see how the media handles it and how the pet shop responds.

[Raptor]

Considering that this is fox we're talking about, I doubt it'll be positive.

[wilomn]

No, I believe he or she is quoting me. Wilomn, I'm not sure where the anger is coming from but you are right about one thing. I am new to this hobby and maybe you know something I don't but I know a thing or two about the press, and how it works, having been an activist for the homeless for nine years. We used the news in various ways to effect change.

That said, I believe that I am entitled to my opinion just like you are. You have every right to disagree with me but publicly flogging me for expressing my thoughts is not only rude but uncalled for.

Also, If I'm not mistaken, the OP shared an experience they had with a pet store who wasn't taking care of the animal's we all love and because he/she was concerned took action.

Instead of attacking, maybe you could tell us what you would do if you had witnessed what they had.

Before I took any action, I'd get facts. Not opinions, no matter how well intentioned.

Bringing attention to the plight of the homeless can be important work.

Bringing a fox crew to a pet store who we have heard two differing opinions on just doesn't sound like a good idea to me. What we don't need is more public attention to issues we as keepers are not even sure exist.

First verify that what has been said is fact. Then make a plan. Don't go calling peta and hsus or anyone else all willynilly trying to make noise to bust this one guy.

Best thing to do is NOT spend money there. Secondary to that, encourage your friends to take a pass on the place too. Maybe check your local Herp. Society if you have one and see if they have heard anything about the place. Herpers like to talk and most of them know all the stores in their area.

Or, if you just like media attention, go, whore yourself out. You might get a second or two on camera yourself. The media is NEVER our friend in these situations. Which is not to say it needs to be or should be covered up, just that there are other methods of approach that won't get crap all over everyone involved.

[crazyj83]

Ok as I said before everything is done for now, the owners of the company were not aware of how bad that store really was, it took fox media contacting them and bringing the issue to their table. They have agreed to bring all animal enclosures up to par and maintain health, I guess it just took a little poke to get them to move their rears and take action. Again, the animals win.

[Raptor]

Why is it that I want to disbelieve this? Frankly, you should have gone to the owners of the stores first.

[enchantress62]

Before I took any action, I'd get facts. Not opinions, no matter how well intentioned.

Bringing attention to the plight of the homeless can be important work.

Bringing a fox crew to a pet store who we have heard two differing opinions on just doesn't sound like a good idea to me. What we don't need is more public attention to issues we as keepers are not even sure exist.

First verify that what has been said is fact. Then make a plan. Don't go calling peta and hsus or anyone else all willynilly trying to make noise to bust this one guy.

Best thing to do is NOT spend money there. Secondary to that, encourage your friends to take a pass on the place too. Maybe check your local Herp. Society if you have one and see if they have heard anything about the place. Herpers like to talk and most of them know all the stores in their area.

Or, if you just like media attention, go, whore yourself out. You might get a second or two on camera yourself. The media is NEVER our friend in these situations. Which is not to say it needs to be or should be covered up, just that there are other methods of approach that won't get crap all over everyone involved.

So let me get this straight. You say get facts. Okay, the OP walked into the store with his family, including children, and witnessed the conditions he described. He explained that he talked with an employee who only reinforced his concerns.

Now, short of contacting the owner, which I agree, should have been the first step. how would you have gathered more facts? The OP witnessed the neglect first hand. His wife and children also witnessed the conditions and I'm sure are in support of his efforts.

Also, if you had read all of the post's you would have seen that I advised him to contact the ASPCA and report the stores conditions or go back with camera in hand and take pictures, then when asked, tell them that he just thought the ASPCA should know what a fine job they are doing. I never told him to go to the press but since he did at least we can support his efforts. He did something. What have you done to end this kind of neglect/abuse?

And.... The name calling says more about you then it does about me.

To the OP, I appologize for getting off topic a little. I think you did well because the outcome was benefitial to the animals. Maybe you could go back to the store in a couple weeks and see for yourself if the necissary changes were made.