Local breeder screwed over by neighbors!

[meowmeowkazoo]

Seems I've heard this before. It is the internet, and opinions are like bum holes. Everyone has one. Not everyone is going to think the same, or have the same opinion as you. You have to have tough enough skin, to take the people that agree with you, as well as the ones that don't, when you post something on the internet... Easy enough, don't post it, or don't whine about it when everyone doesn't agree.

It's good advice. I guess I was mostly disappointed in the lack of support for a herp owner that I personally admire. He has done a lot of good for the community, and I have never seen more positive press regarding reptiles than I have in his case. Everyone has a right to their opinion. I was just disappointed in the opinions that some people chose to voice. I'm always disappointed when I see the herp community harshly judge good people that have made mistakes.

Thomas has turned this mistake into an amazing opportunity to educate the public and our local law enforcement about these animals. I am grateful for everything he has done, and for the excellent example of a responsible pet owner and citizen that he sets.

People may argue that he should have known the law before moving there, but those same people might be surprised at the little laws they break on a daily basis without even knowing it. The government has things set up like this for a reason; so that they can punish good people whenever the need arises.

Most of us will be lucky enough to never be persecuted for our misunderstanding of or ignorance of the law. Thomas was not so lucky, but he has approached this in a productive way that has given the herp community some positive publicity that it definitely needs.