Fantastic reply. Thank you for this.Originally Posted by Caitlin
Good feedback here, and it sounds like you are leaning toward a Boa, which is a great decision.
One other factor touches on a painful subject but I think it needs to be mentioned. There's a pretty big push in multiple states to make it illegal to even own a Retic. I work with legislation and can tell you that this is not a Republican or Democratic issue; politicians in both parties are ignorant about reptile keeping, and are being pressured by vocal and powerful lobbies comprised of individuals and groups who are against reptile keeping in general or who are against keeping large constrictors specifically.
Right now they are using fears about COVID to push these laws using the rationale that restrictions should be based on protecting public health due to viruses that can jump from animals to people. They also use the rare instances of human injury/death caused by large constrictors as a rationale. If these laws are passed, they usually specify Retics, Burms, and Rock Pythons, but in some cases they restrict ownership of any constrictor over a specific length (typically 8'). Generally, Boa owners are not affected.
I try to be realistic and not panic about this stuff, but I have to say that my personal assessment is that we as keepers are facing an uphill battle, and in some cases we are just plain going to lose (as seems to be the situation in Florida and Alabama as I write this).
I just feel that in the current legislative climate, anyone considering their first Retic should do so with their eyes wide open. People who have already owned Retics for awhile usually know what they're up against, but new keepers may not.
It's also a good time to join USARK and help support our hobby.
Reply With Quote