I don't have a problem with 'better governing' the whole exotic pet industry. I have a problem with the fact that those bunny hugging people want to close it down completely. That means no T's for ANYBODY anymore. If you don't believe me, read some of their other posts on that Facebook Page (the link I gave). Their whole point of view is lopsided. I'm all for nature conservation, but there are worst crimes with even more horrible consequences that impact on our environment and on humanity than a few people keeping tarantulas.....

I still feel they have a valid point.
Do we really have to go dig up the thread about nick (On that note, where is the guy? I've been calm here without him?)
where he was mentioning how funny it was that he has lost so many spiders.
It could have serious consequences down the line.

Ceratogyrus wrote: I still feel they have a valid point.
Do we really have to go dig up the thread about nick (On that note, where is the guy? I've been calm here without him?)
where he was mentioning how funny it was that he has lost so many spiders.
It could have serious consequences down the line.

So you'd be willing to get rid of all your exotics then?

I'm sorry, I wouldn't. I care more for my Tarantulas than some people do for their children ....

Spunky wrote:

Ceratogyrus wrote: I still feel they have a valid point.
Do we really have to go dig up the thread about nick (On that note, where is the guy? I've been calm here without him?)
where he was mentioning how funny it was that he has lost so many spiders.
It could have serious consequences down the line.

So you'd be willing to get rid of all your exotics then?

I'm sorry, I wouldn't. I care more for my Tarantulas than some people do for their children ....

Some where on one of the threads there is a Answer to your Question Spunky. .

For years there has been people jumping up and down and making a stink about this whole exotic thing.
I agree with some of the stuff, but the people behind documentary seem to be the "Green peace type".

But Natcon is all ready busy with a whole lot of stiff in all hobbies.

Spunky wrote:

Ceratogyrus wrote: I still feel they have a valid point.
Do we really have to go dig up the thread about nick (On that note, where is the guy? I've been calm here without him?)
where he was mentioning how funny it was that he has lost so many spiders.
It could have serious consequences down the line.

So you'd be willing to get rid of all your exotics then?

I'm sorry, I wouldn't. I care more for my Tarantulas than some people do for their children ....

This has all been put on the other thread where I received death threats.
There is no way that they will ever be able to outlaw tarantulas, cause what do you think nat con will do with 50 000 tarantulas?
If they put a ban on breeding, then I would not breed mine anymore, yes.

If you look at the bigger picture, would you like to take your grand kids out into the bush one day in Limpopo and show them wild burmese pythons, bearded dragons and roseas instead of local species?

"wild burmese pythons, bearded dragons and roseas instead of local species"
Maybe not instead of, but would still be cool??

I am just kidding here.

Fact is, I can't remember when last I saw any kind of wild animal near my house. We used to have brown house snakes often in the house. Saw snakes slither across the road. Lots and lots of lizzards in the trees. Chameleons. Bunnies / rabbits. They have all been wiped out in the built up areas, and we didn't need any exotic pets to accomplish this. Yes, we should do as little as possible to destroy the nature we have left, but don't assign blame where it isn't due.
If our own local species that have had millions of years to adapt to our climate can't survive, what would make an Avic avic or any other exotics tarantula survive, never mind becoming a pest?

The small cages issue... I have had many people asking me if it isn't cruel to keep them in a cage all the time. My response has always been that tarantulas aren't social animals that want to go "play". They eat to live, the live to breed". So if they don't have to move further than 20cm to get food (I usually drop it right by them), why would they be bother to have "space"? They have a royal life in my opinion. Every need catered for. I am obviously referring to proper keeping. Not a questionable pet shop or kid that doesn't even know why it is lying on it's back.

But yes, some of the concerns are valid. I think education is far more important than regulation.

Case in point. I would love to have an owl. They are my favourite animal, bar none. But I do not see myself being able to care for it properly. So I won't buy one and I will dissuade ANYONE from buying one because of the level of care they require and the life long commitment involved with it. If you have one (or more) and you can properly take care of it... kudos for you. I don't have the energy.