If you look at animal abuse cases involving exotic and/or domestic pets, you will see many of these animals were purchased during moment of impulses. Often times, the buyer has not done ANY research on the animal's care requirements or proper housing. Whether it's a cat or chameleon, unprepared animal owners often unknowingly neglect and abuse their new animals. This can lead to the owner releasing their pets into the wild so it can be "free." The release of non-native animals into an area can be destructive to local wildlife.
I am an exotic pet owner of animals ranging from crested geckos to tarantulas. I have seen and recieved animals who are in setups that do nothing but unnecessarily stress these sensitive animals. Yes, animals like tarantulas and reptiles can feel stress and like humans. They can, and will, suffer and die from the stress of neglect and improper care.
I have helped many people redesign their animal enclosures, educate them about the correct foods, lighting, ect., due to the owners not researching the care requirements of their pets before buying them. Most people who have horrid enclosures buy their animals on impulse and fail to do any research or prepare adequate housing for their new animals.
If there was a law that required pet stores to instate a mandatory wait period before buying an animal that can feel pain and stress, it would reduce the amount of animals who are subjected to neglect by uneducated owners. A waiting period would allow inpulse buyers time to research the care requirements of the animal,they wish to buy and determine if they can provide that animal with the care if needs. The results will both reduce unintentional animal neglect and abuse as well as would reduce the number of non-native animals released into the wild.
I hope you will support this petition and send a message to pet stores that we want them to take responsibility for ensuring every animal is going to a home where it will receive proper care.