Why I won't buy from a pet store

[bcr229]

Oh the poor baby - that is just disgusting they would let that animal get into that state! If you have a local facebook group for reptiles or ball pythons, please post the pic and name the store so that people stop shopping there. I would also link to it in yahoo, yelp, google, etc. reviews of it. The only way to stop this behavior is to deny the store $$$. Also each locality has an animal control or ASPCA that investigates neglect cases, hopefully the link above will work for you.

[DSpythons]

Jesus, that poor thing. I've never seen a snake like that. Definitely contact ASPCA, offer to take the snake too while you're at it- if you can, or can find a new home for it :/

I would take it but I live in a apartment and have no room since I have 3 snakes now. I really wish I could but may find someone who could assist feed this poor snake. The picture does not capture how skinny it really is, I can see its individual ribs..

[M&NSnakeDen]

I would take it but I live in a apartment and have no room since I have 3 snakes now. I really wish I could but may find someone who could assist feed this poor snake. The picture does not capture how skinny it really is, I can see its individual ribs..

Obviously I don't want to sound pushy, but this guy couldn't take up too much space. The care you would give him would trump any sort of care that he is getting in that tank. I'm willing to bet he's probably riddled with mites too. Itchy as hell & bitten all over. Gosh, I wish I could go get him

If taking him in is absolutely out of the question then definitely call the ASPCA. He deserves so much better than to wither away.

[MsMissy]

That poor baby!!! This might sound odd but this is why I actually do not mind buying from them... At least with ppl like us we know they will be raised properly.

Now Cole, what would it take for you to take him in? I would happily donate to you for supplies and I'm willing to bet some others here would as well.

[sho220]

Double-edged sword...taking this guy will just open up space for the next victim...oops...I mean snake...

[M&NSnakeDen]

Donations aside, I'd go to the store manager & demand they supply me with not only the snake, but all the things I would need to nurse him back to health. If they didn't agree, I'd raise hell & threaten to not only call the ASPCA & have them investigated, but to also post on every forum in the reptile community exposing them for their incredibly poor treatment of their snakes. Guaranteed they'd roll over & agree to give you what you need. No employee in that store that are in their right mind would say that that snake "just missed a few meals & will eat soon." I'm willing to bet that poor thing hasn't eaten much at all in it's short little life.

[M&NSnakeDen]

Double-edged sword...taking this guy will just open up space for the next victim...oops...I mean snake...

This snake will die in that tank, therefore opening up new space anyway. I'd much rather take him in with good conscience and hope to bring him back to health than to think about him every night, wondering how hungry he must be, how itchy he must be & then going back and seeing a new one in his place, knowing he probably died an awful death.

[sho220]

This snake will die in that tank, therefore opening up new space anyway. I'd much rather take him in with good conscience and hope to bring him back to health than to think about him every night, wondering how hungry he must be, how itchy he must be & then going back and seeing a new one in his place, knowing he probably died an awful death.

Unfortunate, but you're probably right...

[MsMissy]

I ran I to a similar situation recently and am still trying to decide what to do. Thankfully mine is really a matter of cleanliness and proper enclosures as these snakes seemed to be appropriate weights. Since its a small shop, I'll likely end up volunteering there in an effort to educate them. Unfortunately, probably isn't a option in this case.

I wouldn't be able to help myself, I'd go buy him after a quick trip to pick up a tub and cheap supplies even if it meant rearranging a closet for space.

[M&NSnakeDen]

Unfortunate, but you're probably right...

Gosh, I'M going to be thinking of this poor baby all night