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Animal Law Attorney Looking for Legitimate Reptile Rescues!

R

RaLaser

New member
Hello all!

First off, I wanted to say thank you to the members that assisted me with getting a much improved setup for my lovely, finicky little ball that wouldn't eat. I'm happy to report that after 10 months, he is eating regularly, shedding without issues, and is looking very healthy!

Now I have another heady request! I'm a Maryland attorney who just started working with the Md. Animal Law Center. The founder of MALC has little to no knowledge on the husbandry of reptiles, nor does she have very good connections with any exotic animal vets or "fairly local" rescues. She was telling me about a case involving iguana neglect that ended with her having to have the animal shipped to Louisiana because that was the closest place she could find to take the animal that knew how to properly care for it! It was either that, or animal control was going to seize and euthanize the poor girl. I've been to numerous animal law conferences and no matter how many shelter directors I've spoken with or fellow attorneys, I have come across no one that can give me any sound advice on where to go for emergency placement of these types of animals.

While I own 3 snakes as pets, that's what they are: pets. I don't breed them and don't have any particular interest in the genetics aspect. I love and enjoy them as my family members and learn as much about their general care that is necessary to make sure they live healthy and happy lives. I've owned numerous iguanas and lizards in my past, but again, only as pets (I hope to get my first skink at Repticon!) I'm not familiar with ANY VA/PA/MD/DE/WV rescue organizations that specialize or have extensive knowledge in the care of these types of exotics. I had adopted 2 of my snakes from Charm City Reptile Rescue, but they are no longer operating, and I know the NOVA reptile rescue is operating, but has limited space and is, of course, not open admission. When I lived in Baltimore, I had a vet that specialized in exotics that I could take my pets to, but having moved to WV, when I had a snake-mergency with my King, it took about 20 frantic calls to find a veterinarian who would see him after hours.

Because my snakes have a very special place in my heart, I'd like to start working on compiling a comprehensive list of breeders, veterinarians, and rescue groups that can be relied upon to contact for any assistance us attorneys may need when we come across a case where a reptile has been neglected, abused, abandoned, or seized and needs proper care and housing.

We have rarely come across these cases, but I think it's mostly because the general public just doesn't care about these exotics like they would cats or dogs. I'd like to make it a special, personal mission of mine to take on more cases involving this type of neglect and abuse, and make sure we have the resources to do it right!

If anyone can provide any information about any rescue organizations, particularly for snakes and lizards (we have several turtle/tortoise groups on board), that would be fantastic! And, if you'd like to be personally involved if a case does come around, please let me know and I will note your contact information!!

Any help is appreciated! Sorry this ended up being so long! Thanks for your time!!
 
That's a great idea! I can't really help you much, sorry. Just wanted to say what a great thing you are attempting is and I hope you succeed! We really need something like this!
 
It would also be worthwhile to get the names of some breeders and exotic animal vets that would be willing to serve as experts for these cases... of course, that's further down the road and I'm jumping the gun a bit. Just a thought if you're interested in the legal aspect but just don't have the law degree!

ALL OF OUR WORK IS PRO BONO. We can use all the help we can get!
 
Thanks, Tavia! It's great to know that we have the support. I had a 3 hour conversation with the founder on Sunday and at the end of running through the current big cases on her plate, I realized there was clearly something missing... where are all the reptiles cases? They're hard to touch because they just don't have the public support or the funding to take on. I'm very young and just starting my career in animal law and really hope to sort of locally pioneer the specialization of reptile representation in this area. We're hoping to really get the ball rolling with GW law school Student Animal Legal Defense Fund in the future, and I'm going to try to see if I can get some students involved in this type of work as it arises. Unfortunately, it is all going to be back burner for a while as the majority of the cases involve things such as overturning dangerous dog breed legislation, enacting no-kill statutes, and your cat/dog cases. All of which is incredibly important, but forgets the exotics!
 
See, when I type in my area code on petfinder, for example, I get a lot of basic humane societies... very, very few that specialize in the care of reptiles (in fact, none came up in my search). I know that animal shelters take in reptiles... but I also know for a fact that very few, if any, of the staff at those places has any training in the proper care for them. Especially more difficult to care for exotics.
 
I'm looking for reptile-specific, preferably reptile-only, rescues that I know will take good care of the animals AND do proper placements. If these places even exist.
 
Hey. Here are a few thoughts:

1. http://www.vareptilerescue.org

They are in Manassas. I'm not sure if that's who you were referring to in your post when you said, "NOVA reptile rescue."

2. http://www.wildliferescueleague.org/

When I worked as a park naturalist, we worked with these guys. They are volunteers and each rehabilitator works with different animals (birds, mammals, reptiles) based on their interest. There are probably some who work with reptiles, but they'd most likely have to be native to the area.

3. http://reptilesalive.com/

This lady used to do reptile rehab (native and non-native species). I don't know if she still does it, but she'd probably be fount of information.

Good luck!
 
I run the "exotics department" of a reputable 501(c)3 rescue-- Roxie's Fund. We are based in Montgomery County, MD. I work with reptiles and parrots. Feel free to contact me at [email protected] if you want to chat.

sonja
 
Sonya, were you at the No Kill Conference the past weekend? I'm working with Anne Benaroya and I'm positive she mentioned Roxie's Fund. Not in relation to exotics, but I'm familiar with some of your organization. Thank you for your contact info. I'll message you shortly. A pitbull crisis just arose in Baltimore City and I have a feeling that's going to be the big focus for a while.
 
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