I had the same experience yesterday, only it wasnt AAE but some quarantine officer for the airport that had something to say about the parcel when it arrived at the other end, he even went as far as opening the package to check on the animals. Small very hard plastic lunch box container, cable tied, with vents, inside a carboard box. I try and pack everything as small, leight, and strong as I can to avoid paying heavy freight chargers, this time it didnt work they stung me $74.50 for the small 400gram parcel. AAE did not worry about the packaging on my end, but this quarantine officer did at the other.. They must all be in a plywood box. This was a next flight service, same state.
The person picking up the parcel was told that I was going to be reported to DECCW & someone else I can't remember. Long story short, DECCW have nothing to do with freighting reptiles, its AAE that are to blame for excepting my parcel in the first place. I have since spoken with DECCW and cleared the matter up. In my opinion once they except it, label it and take my money, its all over and they have excepted reponsability.
Abit of excitement for the day, (thats what the airport officer was probably thinking).
Your not alone Colin.