I once made an uninformed decision that led to a challenging journey—one that started when I purchased a ball python from PetCo, unaware of the pet store ethics and genetic issues some snakes could possess.

I researched for months about my snake. I called the vet before I even brought him home, because I wanted to ensure that my snake was happy and healthy. I had his entire enclosure set up with so much love. I was so anxious those first couple of weeks because I loved him so much and did not want to mess it up.

Little did I know that the problems my snake would have were not going to be because of any fault of my own. The snake I brought home turned out to have the wobble gene, a defect well known to pet store employees but undisclosed to me at the time of purchase. PetCo knew this snake could suffer greatly, possibly due to a lethal defect, yet they sold him to me anyway. Since then, I've had to spend thousands of dollars to provide special accommodations and address feeding struggles just to ensure my snake's well-being.

The worrisome trend of selling spider gene ball pythons, known to cause potentially serious and debilitating issues, should be a concern for all consumers who love and wish to care properly for their pets. The wobble gene leads to neurological disorders which manifest in a disturbing way as snakes have trouble balancing and maintaining normal movement. These complications not only cause harm to the snakes but also emotional and financial distress to the pet owners who love them.

In light of these issues, it is essential to hold pet stores accountable to higher ethical standards, ensuring that no more snakes with genetic defects are provided to unknowing customers. PetCo and similar pet retail establishments must be prohibited from selling any ball pythons that bear the wobble or spider gene. Insisting that they display vigilant sourcing can prevent other customers, especially new pet owners, from facing the heartbreaking and financially burdensome consequences that I've experienced.

Our objective is clear: to stop pet stores nationwide from carrying and selling spider gene ball pythons. By signing this petition, you are advocating for the well-being of these animals and the protection of consumers. Demand regulation and accountability from national chains to safeguard both animals and those who wish to responsibly care for them. Join us in making this change for the better. Sign the petition and help us protect vulnerable creatures and unsuspecting buyers from harm.