Excerpt:
We as herpers have enough problems
fighting local and state regulations and animal rights activists lobbying congress. We don't need the added problems of being
attacked from our own ranks, by those who pretend to enjoy the keeping of reptiles as much as we do, but in reality don't
feel we deserve to keep them at all. ~ http://www.arbreptiles.com/lastword/rescues.shtml
While this article (in its entirety) reflects an opinion about reptile rescues, it can equally
apply to members of hobbyist groups.
Are the members of a group "elitists"?
Is it a clique or is it meant to help the novice owner?
Are the members there to help or to hurt - do they contact the local authorites on members they
wish to cull from the group?
These are important things to consider when deciding which groups to share your dollars and time
supporting. These are important things to inquire about BEFORE you join a group. Ask around, ask other hobbyist, and if you
find the people who are something less than inclined to endorse a group - ask why.
