IHS - FBH - Spider Morph Ban & others

[CloudtheBoa]

I know the spider issue is separate since it's a neuro issues fully associated with the morph and proven to not go away with out-crossing. However originally albino boas were thought to be unhealthy, there were eye issues (missing eyes, bulging eyes), kinks, premature litters, albino females not producing... all things that would lead one to believe the morph is unhealthy. However years of out-crossing has stabilized the issues quite a bit and you hardly ever hear about these things happening and tons of healthy good litters have since been produced and female albinos breed now without issue. If, in the first 5 or so years of them being out, people all saw them as unhealthy would they have been 'banned'? What is the line of something being considered an 'unhealthy' morph? Can definitions change over time or once it's labeled bad - it's bad?
I'm simply asking because I think it's a very interesting discussion

This is why I specified never being able to be healthy. If it can be outcrossed and lessened/eliminated, then simply following responsible breeding is all that is needed. Just like registered dog breeds, many of the unhealthy breeds are now being bred for healthier standards, and unhealthy genetics are not bred for and looked down upon when they are (such as albino dobermans). Same should go with reptiles.

April, you are correct.

There are a lot of other "issues" with many morphs. Some internal and not readily seen.

The issue with albinos in Boas (and resulting morphs, like Sunglows) has been an ongoing one. I'm not sure what some breeders did, but I do know that quite a few animals got culled. It was the price to pay for the ones that were healthy and beautiful. But even throughout years of trying to eradicate that problem, it tends to linger from what I've been told. The "bad ones" usually just don't make it onto the market. Efforts are ongoing and reputable breeders do all they can to minimize this problem.

I stand by my opinion that people find it easier to disregard interference such as that, if it doesn't affect them directly. And I do stand by my opinion that interference such as that can grow and eventually affect more and more people. That is not fear mongering. It has already happened in other instances. While this is not a ban, yet, it is how these things get started. And who are we to say what is "worse" for quality of life? A spider with a wobble (and most aren't bad) or a animal with a kinked spine (ouch)? With eye problems, missing eyes, bug eyes, etc ? (remember, eye problems can be painful) Issues that come along with albinism? Reproductive issues? Genes that produce "lethals"? Genes with possible internal problems?

Its similar to actual laws and regulations that are passed. Some cities banned giant snakes. Of course that didn't cause a huge outcry, because ..its only "that" city. Its only giant snakes, and not every reptile keeper owns them. But then the laws changed. Suddenly its not just giants but constrictors. Or anything over 4 feet. And not just the city, but the county or other cities. Suddenly it affects more people but at this point, but it is getting harder and harder to fight this, because the stronghold has been achieved.

Personally, I do not own any Spiders anymore. I won't breed any. I owned a Bumblebee that was simply a beautiful and amazing Ball Python, no wobble seen, happy, healthy and a great eater. Many are just like that. Technically I have "no dog in this fight". I simply find it irrational they pick "one" morph with issues. Do it right, or don't do it. I can't agree with their ignorance.

However, in the end, this is just "my" opinion. And I respect that others don't share it. It would be a boring world if we all agreed on everything.
At least we all love and care for our reptiles, and that is the most important part

I think you’re confusing an event banning certain animals to be sold with animals being banned. Just because those animals aren’t allowed in those specific events doesn’t mean they’ll be banned elsewhere or that any other animals will become banned. You’re not allowed to smoke in many public buildings in the US, but has that caused cigarettes to be banned? No. Because that is not the government, whether state, city, or federal, banning them. It’s privately owned businesses. Same deal here, and conflating the two is fear mongering.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk