Conservation > Herps as domestic pets
Herpetology Northwest appreciates the education that comes from having reptiles and amphibians in captivity. However on the domestic level we are against keeping these species as pets.
Support for this comes from the Humane Society of the United States proposal in 2001 to ban the import of Reptiles.
- Too many pet owners purchase reptiles and amphibians without understanding that the animal they are buying carry salmonella. Salmonella is a deadly bacteria that causes typhoid fever and food poisoning which can lead to death if not medically treated.
- Reptile collection from the wild leading to drastic population declines, habitat destruction during collection, smuggling and the release of pet stock to the wild (interfering with native populations) are extremely important issues.
- Inadequate education of new reptile and amphibian owners can lead to the death or permanent injury of many of these captive species. It is the opinion that pet stores are responsible for the education of future pet owners!
It is estimated that 90% of wild-caught reptiles die in their first year of captivity because of physical trauma prior to purchase or because their owners cannot meet their complex dietary and habitat needs. Read more on Wildlife Trade
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