Hello from the RSPCA!

Hello everyone, just thought I'd pop on and say hi.

My name's Gemma and I'm going to be posting from the RSPCA. I’m really passionate about animal welfare and I love all animals, including the weird and wonderful!

I'm looking forward to chatting to everyone and getting to know you, and I'd love to hear about your beardies

Best wishes,
Gemma

Hello. Welcome

Hello and welcome. Does the RSPCA rescue lizards in the UK? Our ASPCA does not. They believe exotics should not be kept as pets. :?

... double post, sorry

ShannyBeard":bqbvrdq1 said:

GemmaRSPCA":bqbvrdq1 said:

Hello everyone, just thought I'd pop on and say hi.

My name's Gemma and I'm going to be posting from the RSPCA. I’m really passionate about animal welfare and I love all animals, including the weird and wonderful!

I'm looking forward to chatting to everyone and getting to know you, and I'd love to hear about your beardies

Best wishes,
Gemma

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Hello again. Please explain the RSPCA's Pledge 5 to me http://www.rspca.org.uk/in-action/pledges/pledge5

Please tell me why you are a member of the RSPCA when the goal of the RSPCA is "We pledge to reduce the number of exotic animals kept as pets and increase their humane care. "

I would never be a member of the ASPCA due to their position on exotics, but our American ASPCA is very reactionary. I can't watch the video on your page because I don't have a sound card at work, so I may be missing something by not being able to watch it.


--Shannon

Hi. Well, someone else watched the video and told me it was really good. I sure wish we had an organization like the RSPCA in the United States. I like the fact that you have a bearded dragon care sheet, too.

Do you have any beardies or reptiles? We all love to see pictures and talk about our babies.

ShannyBeard":1p1bzush said:

Please tell me why you are a member of the RSPCA when the goal of the RSPCA is "We pledge to reduce the number of exotic animals kept as pets and increase their humane care. "

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I, as well, would like to hear pledge #5 explained in Gemma's own words. I did however watch the video and was pleasantly surprised at how the RSPCA's views are the same as many of the members here. (Research, Captive breed, Rehome when care can no longer be provided) I believe that pledge #5's description is just too vague. Perhaps it should be titled, 'Reduce the Number of Irresponsible Owners in Regards to Exotic Pets' This however, is just an opinion. I look forward to fallowing this thread and as I stated before, welcome Gemma.

Hi all!

Thanks for your responses

@ShannyBeard - we do indeed rescue reptiles and all sorts of exotics at the RSPCA. In fact I was recently at our RSPCA Patcham animal centre, which specialises in rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming reptiles. They're a really great bunch of people and do some fantastic work. Take a look at their website: http://www.rspcareptilerescue.co.uk/index.php Plus photos on the "Animals Available" tab - although there are so many beardies I don't think there was room to list them all! Would love to see pictures of your beardies too!

@morphmom - as I'm sure you know, exotics can be really difficult to keep as they have complex welfare needs, so the exotics pledge was born out of concern for the growing popularity of them, and worries about people taking on these extraordinary creatures without perhaps realising how much time or money can be involved - whilst there are forums like this with lots of people who take the time to research, share tips and advice to keep their pets happy and healthy, not everyone is so concerned so we're working hard to get the word out there! For more info on our stance, take a look at our exotic pets pages: http://www.rspca.org.uk/allaboutanimals/pets/other Hope that clears things up for you

Thanks both for the welcome!

Why am I suspicious Gemma? I might have believed that you were here because of a genuine love of animals as opposed to putting in some time as a damage limitation officer for HQ had you not been busy posting exactly the same intro elsewhere:

http://www.petforums.co.uk/introductions/244095-hello-rspca.html#post1062097953

Just how much money is HQ losing that this becomes necessary? Hmmm?

She's allowed to go to different pet forums and introduce herself. If I were her, I'd copy and paste my introductions too. Gets tiring re-typing the same thing over and over again.

Welcome Gemma! Here's a couple photos of my babies to start things off:

Edgar:



Hagrid:


Travis:


Norbert:



Mr. Citrus:

Welcome, Gemma!

artes":1ejmadnp said:

She's allowed to go to different pet forums and introduce herself. If I were her, I'd copy and paste my introductions too. Gets tiring re-typing the same thing over and over again.

Welcome Gemma! Here's a couple photos of my babies to start things off:

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Of course Gemma is allowed to post anywhere and everywhere. The reason for my post is to ensure that everyone realises that the RSPCA is on the move for reasons as yet unknown.

Please everyone, remember they are not known as friends of exotics. Be careful.

We all have the right to protect our own interests but Gemma didn't have to mention that she's with the RSPCA. She jumped in head first and said 'This is who and what I am, Hello'. I can't help but respect that. If things are not what they seem, then I suggest we come together as the community that we are and prove to the RSPCA and the world how amazing exotic pets are. We love and care for our Beardie babies so well that there's nothing to hide.
Together, we are strong.

Hello all!

Thanks for your kind welcomes

@FenrisW - I am working for the RSPCA, and have recently signed up to several forums because we'd like to start listening to/getting to know some more people who are passionate about animal welfare and who are also keen to educate new owners on the importance of looking after their pets properly. Sorry if it's come across in any other way :-/ Ultimately, we're all here for the same reason - because we love animals and want them to be looked after well. Hope that clears things up

@artes - Loving the pics - do you have 5 beardies? The first picture of Edgar is really sweet, bless him Is the orca his friend?

GemmaRSPCA":anermpb8 said:

@artes - Loving the pics - do you have 5 beardies? The first picture of Edgar is really sweet, bless him Is the orca his friend?

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I actually have 6. I forgot who I didn't post a photo of... give me a minute and I'll remedy that!

Yes, the orca is Edgar's friend. I got him from a breeder who decided to retire, which was very fortunate since he took really horrible care of his beardies. Anyway, Edgar was used to living with his girlfriend, so my friend Candace gave him the whale to keep him company since he wouldn't be living with his girlfriend anymore. Candace got the girl.

Travis also painted a picture the other day, I'll post that too. The paint was non toxic and washable, and he seemed to have fun.

Pomona:



Travis' picture: