Did you know the exotic pet trade is second only to the drug trade in terms of illegal activity and dollars generated?  

Illegal poaching and poorly regulated legal trade has led to declining wild populations and ecosystem disruption. High mortality rates occur during capture and transport, and even for survivors, captivity often involves inadequate diets and housing, resulting in poor health, stress, and a shortened lifespan.

More than half of animals do not survive capture and transport. They are at risk of dehydration, starvation, hypo- and hyperthermia, stress, overcrowding, injury and attacks by other animals in confined conditions.

Animals that do survive face cruel treatment, inappropriate living conditions and inadequate diets at the hands of uninformed owners. It is difficult to source their exact dietary requirements and replicate the complexity of their natural environments. Exotic animals in captivity are not free to express their normal wild behaviours. They may resort to self-mutilation or go into a state of depression. 

Many die within a short time after sale and those that survive are usually abandoned or surrendered when the novelty wears off and the reality of high care costs, lack of interaction, increase in size and care responsibilities become unmanageable.

This is likely the case with the three incredible reptiles available for adoption at the Vancouver Animal Shelter.

Nirvana is a ball python with a peaceful presence; Grohl is another impressive ball python who embodies the species’ curious yet calm nature; and Bowser Jr. is a 6-month-old bearded dragon full of curiosity and charm.

To learn more about these animals and the pet adoption process, please visit https://bit.ly/47cFsOf or email them at: animal.shelter@vancouver.ca

To learn more about the plight of exotic pets and what you can do about it https://spca.bc.ca/ways-to-help/take-action/exotic-pets/

My novel, Cold-Blooded, Book 2 in The Mattie Saunders Series also provides details about the exotic pet trade as well as reptiles as pets; their care, feeding and personalities, in the context of an entertaining murder mystery.

Right now, you can get free e-book edition to review by subscribing to my mailing list. Go to http://www.rodraglinauthor.com to subscribe or just send me an email at rod_raglin@yahoo.com

It’s available in paperback or as an audiobook  at https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B003DS6LEU 

Or, you can get free e-book edition to review by subscribing to my mailing list. Check out the subscription form on this site.