I own a leopard gecko with neurological issues. I wouldn't have been able to get the necessary care if it wasn't for not having the positive list! My reptiles improve my mental health significantly and if it wasn't for them I wouldn't be doing as well in college.
I’ve always been someone who loves animals like reptiles, insects, arachnids and animals people don’t really tend to love or respect. I’ve always had a passion for these animals and it grows stronger by the day. I cannot imagine my life without these beautiful animals in it. There are more serious issues in this world to worry about than someone keeping a snake as a pet. My animals have gotten me through so much crap in my life and it would truly be miserable without them. Just because there are some people who mistreat and neglect exotic pets, does not mean they should be banned. Just like becoming a dog or a cat owner or a parent shouldn’t be banned just because there’s people who neglect/mistreat their children or cats/dogs. Advocate for proper husbandry, research, and going to responsible breeders instead!
Instead of banning reptiles altogether or making laws extremely restrictive on them we should strive to push out updated correct husbandry. I’ve had a passion for reptiles since I was a kid after watching lots of nature shows/documentaries. My reptiles have truly helped and impacted me so much throughout the years and I don’t know where I’d be without them.
Any proposed white list would have a direct effect on my business and ability to make a living. I produce healthy captive bred reptiles for those wanting a pet. My business fills a niche that local pet stores do not. If a white list were to be proposed it could force me to abandon my business, passion and lifelong dream of being able to work with these beautiful animals and provide healthy pets for others to enjoy as well. Captive breeding efforts can be extremely beneficial to conservation and by supplying captive bred animals we help take pressure off of wild populations that may otherwise be poached.
I am a small business where I raise captive bred exotic lizards and geckos. White lists would directly affect me and my livelihood. I am always advocating the health and ethical treatment of reptiles. People that put this hobby/industry/pet keeping in a bad light does not represent us all. There are good and bad examples in everything. This would effect the people that advocate for responsible reptile keeping.