Quote Originally Posted by FlynnTheBP View Post
I find that the smaller private owned welfare groups are the best. They usually have similar principles to what we've discussed so far. There is also a lot of misinformation about the exotic pet trade and trafficking. Lots of groups, like said PETA, spread this misinformation for their own purposes. Many snakes in the pet trade are either CB or harvested ethically from the wild. There are always exceptions, but they are less common then you would think.
While I agree with the fact that most captive bred animals likely come from humane conditions, or at least would hope that is true, most wild caught species will experience some sort of unethical treatment at some point or another. Whether it be in the way they are caught or shipped to not receiving the care they deserve once they arrive at the distribution center. Most of these species are not well understood or are very cheap so they be subjected to substandard conditions even once they arrive into someone's collection. I honestly think it is more likely mistreatment of animals is more common than you think.

Quote Originally Posted by bcr229 View Post
Many of the exotic animals we keep originate in parts of the world where people treat each other with less regard than we treat our pets. I won't argue that that side of the industry doesn't have its issues - because it does - but for that reason I also don't purchase from those sources.
This is very true but as hobbyist who have a deep care for these animals we must take a stand against this mistreatment. I think your stance of not buying from these sources, if done widespread through out the hobby, is a great way to accomplish this goal. Once they can no longer sell animals in substandard condition they will change their practices to match our standards, if only for the money. The way it is now if you purchase from any large online retailer of wild caught species you are more than likely supporting this terrible side of the industry.