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Message: [QUOTE="winkydinks, post: 1971974, member: 97105"] While I like the idea and am deeply saddened when I see a neglected beardie, the reality is that I'm not sure how this would be enforceable, and even if it was, we'd see the entire pet market (do we need lizard classes but not dog classes?) diminish to almost nothing if this was the case. I don't mean to rain on your parade, but I'll explain why here, and just focus on what this would mean for lizard breeders, as I am one myself. If a mandated class was enforceable, many people would unfortunately forego getting a lizard entirely. They don't require the amount of care that a dog does, and will always be an easier pet. This is why many people get lizards. They want a pet, but one that requires less dedication and mess than a more traditional one does. Making people take the time to show up and pay for a class where they share info that can be found quite easily on Google will determine whether someone does or doesn't make that purchase, which, given the high number of offspring that beardies produce, will be the difference in making a breeding operation viable. Breeding requires space, money, and considerable time, and if you're not moving dragons, you'll lose money and the operation won't be viable. Every day I have baby and juvenile dragons in my possession is a day that I'm spending money. Those UVB and basking bulbs drive the electric bill through the roof, and those babies eat a lot of roaches (I'm constantly having to buy additional ones even though I breed my own). Moreover, the time I spend feeding and cleaning cages is time that I could spend doing something else. There will also be far fewer dragons out there, and as a result, the price for them will rise considerably. This too will be a deterrent for buyers. Fewer dragons also means fewer feeder insects, and the insect breeders will have to charge more, which will deter breeders. The ones that remain will decide to raise their own insects (which takes time, money, and space), and the roach companies will go out of business. Like I said, I don't say this to deter you, but if you're passionate about the welfare of pet lizards (something I highly commend), there are probably better ways you could spend your time and effort. I know you're 15, and this probably won't be viable for you at the moment, but there is a huge shortage of exotic pet shelters. I for one have received reptiles in the past who needed to go to one, but I was ultimately unable to find one with space that wasn't multiple hours away by car. Maybe getting one going is something you could do when you're a bit older and out of school? [/QUOTE]

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