In response to this article I just submitted the following to the editor of the Edmond Journal:

I am a longtime reader of your publication. I have always enjoyed the integrity and balance with which your news reports are presented. It is for this reason that a recently published article, “Decision to buy an exotic pet can come back to bite you”, troubled me so.

This article was devoid of facts about the care of exotic pets by responsible owners. Regrettably, this article also made no mention of the completely harmless and Canadian captive-bred exotics that have been widely owned and loved across our great nation for generations. What this article described in the way of ‘poaching’ exotic animals in the wild for sale pets is an illegal practice that is abhorred by the herpetological community.

It was disappointing to find that the bulk of this article, otherwise addressing a very serious proposed legislation that will impact thousands of responsible B.C. pet owners, was largely a recounting of fear-based misinformation. Not a single contrasting point of view was mentioned from people within the herpetological community itself.

Would you publish an article about banning dog ownership without speaking to a dog owner?

Instead of limiting the ownership and sale of harmless exotic species, I believe there should be a greater push to inform the public about the proper care requirements for these animals.

I just hope that this legislation, as it currently stands, is seen for the knee-jerk overreaction that it is before a great many responsible and loving B.C. pet owners are made to pay the price for other people’s ignorance.

*** *****
Toronto, On.

I could have said a lot more, but having been published in several newspapers for columns as well as letters to the editor, I know that brevity is key. Hopefully I hit on the most glaring points.