OK.
This is obviously a highly controversial issue. However one which will keep on popping up and will inevitably change (hopefully) in the near future.
Personally, I think Reptiles DO need to move to Pet Shops, and more specific, Reptile shops. There are a number of them around already (Exotic Pets, The Reptile Shop etc) and to move this hobby forward change needs to occur.
Now before I hear all the horror stories about Reptile shops interstate and the often terrible conditions some shops house there Reptiles. Let me first state that if this is to occur, it needs to be done correctly. The other states have led the way in providing an example of how 'not to' do things.
I believe that with tight regulation, proper licensing, mystery shoppers assessing Fauna Dealers this can be achieved successfully.
In the trade of birds for example, you can hold a Fauna Dealers license, issued a certificate etc etc, there is a list of approved species which are available to be traded by dealers which basically are species 'traditionally traded by keepers'.
Well, why can't we come up with the same thing in the Reptile scene.
Surely we can also come up with an approved list of the traditionally traded species and they should be able to be traded.
Now, there are obviously pros and cons about this, and I would like to here all the cons. Because I will personally (if need be) work to come up with solutions to the cons. I think it is very managable.
If dealers can hold Reptile Dealers Liceses. Be PERSONALLY responsible for the animals in the shops, with heavy fines for things such as:
i) Improper advice
ii) Unsanitory enclosure conditions
iii) Sick or unhealthy animals
etc etc
Now this may just be creating more legislation sure, but there is not going to be thousands of these dealers liceses given out. I would expect there to be a rigorous application process before anything i handed out.
So, whats holding us back.
Well, $$ obviously, NPWS are at a strech as it is, and this would need funding to get off the ground. But this is not impossible.
I have been looking at the legislation today (actually doing some legal work today lol) and I think that amendments to the Act can be made and be successful.
This is obviously a highly controversial issue. However one which will keep on popping up and will inevitably change (hopefully) in the near future.
Personally, I think Reptiles DO need to move to Pet Shops, and more specific, Reptile shops. There are a number of them around already (Exotic Pets, The Reptile Shop etc) and to move this hobby forward change needs to occur.
Now before I hear all the horror stories about Reptile shops interstate and the often terrible conditions some shops house there Reptiles. Let me first state that if this is to occur, it needs to be done correctly. The other states have led the way in providing an example of how 'not to' do things.
I believe that with tight regulation, proper licensing, mystery shoppers assessing Fauna Dealers this can be achieved successfully.
In the trade of birds for example, you can hold a Fauna Dealers license, issued a certificate etc etc, there is a list of approved species which are available to be traded by dealers which basically are species 'traditionally traded by keepers'.
Well, why can't we come up with the same thing in the Reptile scene.
Surely we can also come up with an approved list of the traditionally traded species and they should be able to be traded.
Now, there are obviously pros and cons about this, and I would like to here all the cons. Because I will personally (if need be) work to come up with solutions to the cons. I think it is very managable.
If dealers can hold Reptile Dealers Liceses. Be PERSONALLY responsible for the animals in the shops, with heavy fines for things such as:
i) Improper advice
ii) Unsanitory enclosure conditions
iii) Sick or unhealthy animals
etc etc
Now this may just be creating more legislation sure, but there is not going to be thousands of these dealers liceses given out. I would expect there to be a rigorous application process before anything i handed out.
So, whats holding us back.
Well, $$ obviously, NPWS are at a strech as it is, and this would need funding to get off the ground. But this is not impossible.
I have been looking at the legislation today (actually doing some legal work today lol) and I think that amendments to the Act can be made and be successful.