Anther fish to add to the kettel is that SOME pet shops do give out incorrect advice, and if you don't know the difference, it does matter... I would like to see ALL pet shop staff trained/given the knowledge to handle the reptiles they sell, and be able to give the needed advice to the people that are buying these herps....
I would also like to add that in my opion there are good pet shops, and the prices aren't so bad when you take into account the freight, etc that may be payable when you buy from a breeder, and it's an even bigger challenge if you're importing/exporting (not to mention some people, myself included, buy reptiles on photo/s and haven't seen the animal, conditions etc.)
To answer your origional question, Xander, I'm about to purchase a pair of Stimys from a local pet shop, and it's because it is a benefit to me.. To explain:
I felt the price was only about $50-$100 more than what had been advertised by breeders (Qld or interstate freight is easaly between 50-100) I was also given exceptional advice/help, and I can see, touch and watch the pair before purchasing... not to mention, one of them was coming into shed, so the pick up date is dependant on the male shedding...
So I think, if you know of a pet shop that isn't caring for their herps in a suitable manner, why not do something about it - - write a letter to the petshop manager, and while you're at it why not 'CC' the letter to the authorities (?? - EPA in Qld)...
In my opion, if you wnat things to change, you have to do you bit (even if it's only a little bit)
Bec