Reptile Welfare

[Snarf]

Right guys,

Me asking for help yet again. And this time, I'm barely sure what I'm asking for.

Basically, I want to reptile rescue, have done for a long loooong time. Now technically speaking there is no legal requirement for opening a sanctuary in the UK, really the only time there are rules is if you want a charity (I'm looking into both); however I want to be prepared and to the best of my knowledge so applying to do an HND (Higher National Degree) in Animal Care - which looks into the management etc of pet stores and the like.

My point now is; I am far too fidgety. I'm one of those annoying pro-active people when it comes to rights and the like. So for now, I want to make a start on reptile welfare. Reptiles are becoming huge in the UK and a lot (especially beardies - not just trying to pander to the heart strings here I'm being very serious) are being mistreated and handed over to those with no plans to care for. I want to try and find a way to do something now but I don't know what - any ideas?

Kind of thought about seeing how I could set up talks in beardie care in open evenings or handling sessions etc - I really don't know but I just have to make a start! Any pennies for a thought?

Edit; forgot to note - the issue with where I live is there are what I believe 4 reptile stores (3 being a chain) and a couple mainstream pet stores which sell reptiles. However, there is not one reptile sanctuary. There is one a good 35 miles away and one on the other side of Scotland (again this one isn't dedicated, they do reptiles as an afterthought) so I figure there is plenty of scope and no reason why I couldn't try to push this - unless I'm being silly?

 

[MissT]

There is a group on facebook, based in the UK that focuses on reptile welfare. im not a member of the group but know a few people who are and it seems like it might be a good starting point for you - something that you can get involved in... here is a link

https://www.facebook.com/groups/310782478937989/?ref=ts

 

[Snarf]

Thank you very much!!!

I am looking into it just now (which is quite the trick as I don't own a facebook ~le gasp~!) but it looks really interesting and I'm very grateful.

So far I have down a list of around 7 UK (most are in England) based reptile rescues which do education programmes, a college which does animal care and Edinburgh Zoo (which has a few reptiles but not on show right now along with information centres) and plan to hopefully get help in building information and then I will look for places to preach :lol:

I also noticed that O2 still does the Think Big project; and I am wondering if it is worth applying! -rubs chin with thinker cap on-
http://www.o2thinkbig.co.uk/

 

[Sly]

good for you snarf research and perseverance is the key and i think you have a very noble cause!

 

[TheDragonKeepers]

Add me in chick - I have three rescues myself and have done work for the RSPCA. I thoroughly agree that there's not the proper education or control on reptile care - you only have to look at some of the dangerously newb questions that come in occasionally - most of these could have been avoided with basic info from the retailer.

 

[nikipop]

Just a thought but ever think about getting in contact with the product companies? Zoo med zilla and such? The care sheets that are handed out in the stores are from places like that.. Well everyone here uses their products. Why on earth wouldn't they update their care sheets if some of the research was easy for them? Like I said just a thought...

 

[nikipop]

Or free clinics for store employees on reptile care... I have no idea how u would go about getting to that but just another thought....