The Ethics of the Scaleless Morph

[Bogertophis]

My take on the issue comes down to general biology. Snakes have scales as a physiological defense against dehydration, predators, and the general environment. To take away something that is essentially "necessary for normal life function" is wrong....

No apology needed for your "long answer"- But just to start with the part above- that's mainly why I don't like or agree with breeding scaleless reptiles- their scales are like our fingernails & hair, or like the fur that other types of animals have- it protects the body of the owner from damage (abrasions, punctures, etc) & from unfavorable temperatures as well as dehydration. Scales also figure into a snake's ability to have traction & mobility. So I'm in the same camp that feels breeding for "scaleless" is wrong- it's a deliberate impairment, & for what? Are scales a problem for ANYONE? No. Are they somehow unsightly? No. Clearly, there is NO good reason for any reptile to be without scales, & every reason they should possess them, as evolution aptly demonstrated. Does anyone breed featherless birds? I HOPE not! Same thing.

I've never liked dog breeds that stray too far from natural-looking canines, including but not limited to the brachycephalic breeds, though I was never aware quite how badly their breathing is impacted- that's horrible. I agree that's a much bigger detrimental issue than just coat colors or length of fur- to me, breeding selectively for issues that impact how animals essentially function IS very wrong. Maybe more education would help keep people from buying such animals? I have to say that just because you "can" make something, doesn't mean that you "should". Freaks for the sake of having freaks is not an acceptable reason, IMO. And to me, their deliberate existence is sad.