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Ashma
Hatchling
United Kingdom
113 Posts |
 Posted - 11/07/2011 : 10:40:12
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Morning all,
Received a phone call from my other half last week concerning a 'hidden' reptile shop in our local area, which neither of us knew existed.
Well, it was hidden for a good reason! It stunk to high heaven of poop and it seems snakes we're shoved anywhere the owner could find space. I saw 3 fully grown (or thereabouts) corns packed into one 3ft viv! Not a single stat in site, depsite some being for sale as well as other issues (too many to mention).
Anyways. We currently have 3 corns, 2 in vivs and the third with a nice new viv waiting for her. Well, we couldn't leave knowing about the conditions the snakes were being left in, so, despite having bought a house recently, not having the space (but having the viv) we decided to randomly choose a snake to 'save'.
We are now the proud owners of a 'rescued' everglades rat snake :)
I feel like a good samaritan!
Soooo......ideas on names people? We thought we'd settled on Gerry....but we don't really like it now we've thought about it! |
Location - Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria |
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ptmbradley
Yearling
United Kingdom
676 Posts |
Posted - 11/07/2011 : 10:48:15
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If the shop is that bad, report it.  |
Corns: 1.1 Anery, 1.1 Butter, 1.0 Carolina, 0.1 Hypo, 1.1 Snow, 1.0 Sunkissed
Boas: 0.1 Arabesque, 1.0 Brazilian Rainbow, 0.1 Crawl Cay, 1.1 Hogg Island X, 0.1 Hypo Hogg, 0.1 Kahl Albino (poss coral)
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Ashma
Hatchling
United Kingdom
113 Posts |
Posted - 11/07/2011 : 10:49:52
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| I was thinking that myself. How would I go about it? |
Location - Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria |
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Emmy1
Yearling
707 Posts |
Posted - 11/07/2011 : 11:43:38
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| Go to the counsil that this shop is located in and explain your concerns. Somebody from enviromental health will pay them a visit. |
0.1.0 Anery Corn Snake
1.0.0 Normal Western Hognosed Snake
1.0.0 Albino California Kingsnake
1.1.0 Bearded Dragons (Wildtype, Hypo)
0.0.3 Shubunkin Goldfish |
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Ashma
Hatchling
United Kingdom
113 Posts |
Posted - 11/07/2011 : 11:45:02
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Right o. I have a friend who works for the environmental health on the council, so I think I can get something done.
Its just a shame I couldn't take them all! |
Location - Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria |
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Emmy1
Yearling
707 Posts |
Posted - 11/07/2011 : 11:56:40
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It can be frustrating sometimes when you see scenes such as these. Obviously sounds as if this shop is more interested in sales than providing a hygienic and appealing environment.
It'll be handy knowing that friend! Sometimes it can take a few complaints for someone to head down to investigate. Let us all know the verdict! Hope justice is served. |
0.1.0 Anery Corn Snake
1.0.0 Normal Western Hognosed Snake
1.0.0 Albino California Kingsnake
1.1.0 Bearded Dragons (Wildtype, Hypo)
0.0.3 Shubunkin Goldfish |
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Ashma
Hatchling
United Kingdom
113 Posts |
Posted - 11/07/2011 : 12:06:45
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| I'll be sure to report it and I'll have my other half report it as a separate incident aswell. Then I can call on a few people to help me out. We have an amazing pet shop in the next town from us, which is a shining example of how well a small-time breeder/enthusiast can do. I'll be sure to let the owner know aswell. |
Location - Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria |
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ptmbradley
Yearling
United Kingdom
676 Posts |
Posted - 11/07/2011 : 12:14:33
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Or there's always the RSPCA.
As for names... Basil (Basil the rat from Fawlty Towers) or Roland (rat). |
Corns: 1.1 Anery, 1.1 Butter, 1.0 Carolina, 0.1 Hypo, 1.1 Snow, 1.0 Sunkissed
Boas: 0.1 Arabesque, 1.0 Brazilian Rainbow, 0.1 Crawl Cay, 1.1 Hogg Island X, 0.1 Hypo Hogg, 0.1 Kahl Albino (poss coral)
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Sta~ple
qeeun speler
United Kingdom
6129 Posts |
Posted - 11/07/2011 : 12:22:43
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Sounds like a shop heavily praised in my area and on RFUK. Buying the snakes only makes it worse though as they just get even more to replace the ones that are bought.
RSPCA won't know anything and have no or next to no people trained with the knowledge of reptiles, they have voulenteers outside the company to help investigators but that's no help since it could be anyone. Emmy is spot on though with the council. At the end of the day, its is a matter of opinion of how reptiles are housed, if there is lots of poo and ill snakes and lack of water, then only something will be done. Most likely only a telling off sadly until someone else also complains. |
   
A very special super, duper thanks for K :3 |
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Ashma
Hatchling
United Kingdom
113 Posts |
Posted - 11/07/2011 : 12:48:19
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Sta~ple - your echoing exactly what I was told by a friend up here. The chances of something being done are very slim. I know I was wrong to give this guy my custom, but I thought if I could help at least one then I would be doing a good thing.
Its one of those situations that pulls at the heart strings but of which very little can actually be done. Its very sad really.
ptmbradley - the other half loves Basil! I think we have a keeper |
Location - Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria |
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Sta~ple
qeeun speler
United Kingdom
6129 Posts |
Posted - 11/07/2011 : 13:42:41
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| I know :) to be honest, I would have done the same thing if I had room and money I would have bought the lot. I just hope more people complain to the right people abut the shop so something can be done. |
A very special super, duper thanks for K :3 |
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Ashma
Hatchling
United Kingdom
113 Posts |
Posted - 11/07/2011 : 15:06:40
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| Agreed completely. I suppose all I can do is spread the word and start renovating the spare bedroom to house some more snakies! |
Location - Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria |
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jonnyc1988
Snake Mite
United Kingdom
33 Posts |
Posted - 11/07/2011 : 16:49:23
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| You should just start stealing them haha. put a snake up your sleeve everytime you visit the shop :p |
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Kehhlyr
ǝʞɐɔ sǝʌoן
United Kingdom
8173 Posts |
Posted - 11/07/2011 : 16:50:15
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quote:
Originally posted by Ashma
............Its just a shame I couldn't take them all!
To be honest taking them all (or even any) is what I would say is one of the worst things that you can do.
It only serves to encourage them to carry on trading how they are.
A complete rip into in regards how the animals are kept with you then telling them you're reporting them usually does wonders.
Obviously you still report them.
/edited to add:
As many have said they would've bought them to rescue them.
Has no one ever simply taken animals that are in poor health from shops?? I have done, and would do it again. A phone call to the police and RSPCA in front of the shop owners usually does wonders and you can walk away with whatever you can carry as well.
They always assume that because they let you take something that you'll then phone the police/rspca back up to say you've made a mistake. |
-=Kehhlyr - The Resident Loon
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sparkaly
Hatchling
212 Posts |
Posted - 11/07/2011 : 21:10:00
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| Hi Ashma, if you email me the name of the shop I'll report em also, I don't live that far away (Flookburgh) :) |
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Ashma
Hatchling
United Kingdom
113 Posts |
Posted - 12/07/2011 : 07:42:49
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Kehhlyr - I can agree with what your saying and it was never my intention to encourage the owner. But also, I don't think I would be able to call the RSPCA or the police in front of the owner, I just don't have the guile for that sort of thing. Also, it transpires that the owner is known to the police and is known for being somewhat 'protective' of his business (if you catch my drift). I'm glad I managed to take one of the snakes though. He's doing well and is very well cared for; something which I know he won't be used to.
I've also managed to get a back story on the shop's owner. It turns out he owns and breeds all the snakes himself and has done so for many years. The shop was opened three years ago as local authorities told him he could no longer keep so many reptiles in his house (council house). As a result, he simply sells them on. Apparently, the shop was meant to be closed down recently as he was at trial for drug offences, but this never happened.
The above information was the key factor in my decision NOT to return to the store. Ever.
This is apparently also the reason that no one seems to report his misgivings. I've spoken to a few reptiles owners in the local area last night and they all seem to be aware, but are unwilling to report due to the owner's 'reputation'. |
Location - Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria |
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Emmy1
Yearling
707 Posts |
Posted - 12/07/2011 : 11:41:02
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It's so sad that fellow reptile owners in your area feel intimidated by someone like this. If he has such an ill reputation with the reptile owners in your area, it's a wonder he is still in business at all. Word of mouth travels quickly.
I've always said actions are louder than words. Maybe it would be better if all that know this man's ways complain about him. As his shop was supposed to close anyway, maybe this will hurry that up or that they will finally crack down on him.
If he has such a horrid persona in the area, I'd remain anonymous when putting forth a complaint. |
0.1.0 Anery Corn Snake
1.0.0 Normal Western Hognosed Snake
1.0.0 Albino California Kingsnake
1.1.0 Bearded Dragons (Wildtype, Hypo)
0.0.3 Shubunkin Goldfish |
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Ashma
Hatchling
United Kingdom
113 Posts |
Posted - 12/07/2011 : 11:47:51
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He hasn't always been a reptile trader and his reputation is very much from his 'activities' years back. But I suppose the name you make yourself sticks longer than most people would like.
The very fact that I was unaware that the shop existed I think is a good sign that he isn't doing as well as he would like. I like to be in the know!
Anonymity is the way forward, don't you worry!
As far as still being in business is concerned, I believe he just continues to breed and breed whether he makes a sale or not. Also just found out his back room is a store for drugs paraphanalia.......great. |
Location - Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria |
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Newbie
Yearling
950 Posts |
Posted - 14/07/2011 : 07:58:34
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| I think this may be the same shop that I posted about a few weeks ago for co-habiting and misinforming, I can understand how you felt, I wasn't too happy aout the set-up either, but sounds like the crowding has worsened as there weren't 3 corns in a viv when I went in, but that was a good while back. I wish I'd done something, but as I say, I think it must be worse now :-( hope your new addition is happy and healthy |
1.0.0 Carolina Motley Cornsnake - Vin, 0.1.0 Brazilian Rainbow Boa - Rio, 0.1.0 IJJ Carpet Python - Luna, 0.1.0 Dwarf Sunfire Reticulated Python - Helia, 1.0.0 Royal Python - Jasper, 0.1.0 Spaniel - Jess; RIP Gypsy - a beautiful girl through and through, 0.1.0 Rabbit - Binky, RIP Indy, Jan 2010 - Aug 2011, and Ace, Jan 2009 - Aug 2011 |
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Ashma
Hatchling
United Kingdom
113 Posts |
Posted - 14/07/2011 : 08:35:17
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Newbie - could you message me the name of the shop. It would be interesting to know if we ARE talking about the same place.
The new addition seems very happy. Fed on a rat pup yesterday and we pimped his viv at the weekend. Lots of branches and plants. He seems to enjoy dozing off at the top of his branches which is interesting to watch. |
Location - Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria |
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Newbie
Yearling
950 Posts |
Posted - 14/07/2011 : 17:28:10
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| Not sure the email works, let me know. I'm sure I know the one you mean "in the next town over" to, a fantastic pet shop that one, my snakes go on holidays there when I go on hols :-) run by a very knowledgable lass, interesting to have someone from the same town on here! |
1.0.0 Carolina Motley Cornsnake - Vin, 0.1.0 Brazilian Rainbow Boa - Rio, 0.1.0 IJJ Carpet Python - Luna, 0.1.0 Dwarf Sunfire Reticulated Python - Helia, 1.0.0 Royal Python - Jasper, 0.1.0 Spaniel - Jess; RIP Gypsy - a beautiful girl through and through, 0.1.0 Rabbit - Binky, RIP Indy, Jan 2010 - Aug 2011, and Ace, Jan 2009 - Aug 2011 |
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A Good Deed for the Month
