Why I won’t be renewing my Reptiles magazine
Originally published at Harmonic Pets. You can comment here or there.
I thought long and hard before speaking up about this topic, because I know a lot of people in the reptile hobby. And for most beginners in the hobby, Reptiles Magazine is the magazine to get. However, a couple of articles in past issues really made me think about my reptile hobby (I have two bearded dragons), the hobby as a whole and what image we want to put out to the public. Because let’s face it, most people if they don’t already have an interest in reptiles don’t suddenly start seeking out reptile people to get their thoughts on things such as the recent legislation banning several species of large snakes from inter-state transport. They don’t join USA Ark, a lobbying group, and they don’t really think beyond the “eww snake” factor. Which is why, as keepers and advocates for our chosen species (and I don’t care if it’s something as mundane as a hamster or a cat), need to be aware that we are ambassadors for our beloved pets and act accordingly.
One of the first Reptiles Magazines I read had what amounted to an opinion piece, though wasn’t marked as such, about how HSUS is horrible and no one wants us to have pets. Of course, they directed me to an anti-HSUS organization, which incidentally enough I found out through some research turned out to be a Koch Brothers founded group. Now who was I to trust? The expert who writes for the magazine? An organization that until that moment I thought did very good work on behalf of animals in our country? An organization that is against the previous one and founded by people whose ideals and beliefs I don’t really believe in, endorse, or otherwise enjoy or want to be around? Yeah, me neither. Each side is rife with bias and as they say, truth is a three-edged blade. Your side, their side, and the actual truth. But it seemed to be an isolated incident until a few months later…
When a very informative article about local laws basically said to violate these laws and that was the only way to get around them. Now animal regulations, whether put in place by a homeowner’s association, city, county, or state, are going to suck for someone. As long as I am feeding my animals, caring for them, spending quality time with them each day, and giving them appropriate vet care when necessary, I don’t think it’s anyone’s business how many I have. I know my limits. I’m pretty good with the household I have now, though it’s a mixed-species household. But, these regulations happen. The best thing to do is to educate and work to change the laws you don’t like. I don’t care if it’s snake length, speed limits, or curfew hours. Overtly breaking the law just because you don’t like it is not a mature way to handle any law. And yet, the magazine pretty much said, “don’t tell anyone what you have. Don’t disclose anything when asked. And Don’t talk to any official because they’re going to take away your snake even if it’s not illegal/banned/under law.” I’m sorry, but that kind of fear mongering has no place in a discussion about any exotic animal species. No, you don’t need to take out a full page add in the paper, but it is good to find out what is, or isn’t allowed, in your area.
And that, my friends, is why I am very upset with Reptiles Magazine. This magazine, by virtue of it’s title, it’s distribution, and it’s intended market, is and could be a very good vehicle by which to educate the non-reptile-owning community about our hobby, the value it brings to the economy, and why the legislation we don’t agree with isn’t good for the economy and probably won’t solve the issues it’s intended to fix. (If someone is going to dump an animal, they’re going to dump it…law or not… and they’re not crossing state lines to do it. Those crossing state lines are usually doing so for personal reasons like a move or for economic reasons like selling at an event.) By encouraging people to break the law, Reptiles magazine is simply perpetuating the stereotypes that people hold. And that, in spite of years of reading and enjoying the magazine is why I am not renewing it. (There has also been snide answers given to letters published, and other things that have affected my view of the magazine.)
We need to stand strong to educate the public about our exotic pets, regardless of species. We need to work together and we need to present accurate, lawful information. Telling someone that they could open a can of worms if they inquire about laws is not responsible, and will do nothing to further the hobby.