Sorry your dragon passed away. Very sad...
But kingofnobbies be careful about wishing regulations on reptile ownership. Trust me I know where your coming from, but its not a good way to approach the problem. Regulation makes it hard for anyone to own a reptile...and most reptile owners are not abusive. Most of the people on this list would not be able to jump through the governmental hoops to own a bearded dragon. Most of the people on the list are fantastic dragon owners.
I have been totally frustrated by the current regulations on venomous animals. I do not need a license to keep my gila monsters or beaded lizards in my state. However some states don't allow ownership, others are restrictive and requires permits. The laws are always on the cusp of being adopted in many states. I can not sell any animals to people in states that have regulations on ownership. I cant vend at expos in those states. That isnt a good thing...it hurts the hobby. It keeps people from attempting captive breeding efforts. It discourages ownership and gives reptiles a worse reputation than they already have.
When my Mexican beaded lizards hatch they will not be sold to anyone under 21 y/o. The potential owner will have to have knowledge of venomous reptiles and be aware that a bite could be very, very painful (I know firsthand) at the very least.
The better solution is to regulate who you sell animals to. Don't let the government take total control of the hobby...that is never a good thing. The government always screws things up, and the people that make the decisions usually don't know much about the animals they regulate.
It helps if the animals are more expensive, which bearded dragons are not. Basically they have become throw away pets, like goldfish.
But my animals will be priced at $550-$1250 each, hardly anyone can throw away that much money. It pretty much assures they will be well taken care of.
But kingofnobbies be careful about wishing regulations on reptile ownership. Trust me I know where your coming from, but its not a good way to approach the problem. Regulation makes it hard for anyone to own a reptile...and most reptile owners are not abusive. Most of the people on this list would not be able to jump through the governmental hoops to own a bearded dragon. Most of the people on the list are fantastic dragon owners.
I have been totally frustrated by the current regulations on venomous animals. I do not need a license to keep my gila monsters or beaded lizards in my state. However some states don't allow ownership, others are restrictive and requires permits. The laws are always on the cusp of being adopted in many states. I can not sell any animals to people in states that have regulations on ownership. I cant vend at expos in those states. That isnt a good thing...it hurts the hobby. It keeps people from attempting captive breeding efforts. It discourages ownership and gives reptiles a worse reputation than they already have.
When my Mexican beaded lizards hatch they will not be sold to anyone under 21 y/o. The potential owner will have to have knowledge of venomous reptiles and be aware that a bite could be very, very painful (I know firsthand) at the very least.
The better solution is to regulate who you sell animals to. Don't let the government take total control of the hobby...that is never a good thing. The government always screws things up, and the people that make the decisions usually don't know much about the animals they regulate.
It helps if the animals are more expensive, which bearded dragons are not. Basically they have become throw away pets, like goldfish.
But my animals will be priced at $550-$1250 each, hardly anyone can throw away that much money. It pretty much assures they will be well taken care of.
It just pisses me off every time I see a story about a dog left in a car, a picture of an unhealthy beardie, looking at the care the stores give around here to the pets, looking at sad videos of abuse on internet. COME ON! WAKE UP PEOPLE! THEY HAVE FEELINGS TOO!!!!
