Is Keeping Reptiles Cruel? PLEASE ANSWER!?

Keeping reptiles properly is not cruel. Keeping them incorrectly is cruel. Things like not having sufficient heat gradients, not using thermostats, incorrect humidity, not enough hiding places, vivariums that are too small, inadequate diet, no fresh water, incorrect lighting, these are all ways in which people are cruel to reptiles. Saying that things like thermostats and the right light bulbs or tubes are too expensive is not an excuse, these things should be purchased before the animal. Unfortunately many people still think of reptiles as a 'cheap' pet so aren't prepared to pay for correct housing etc.

There would be no reptile cruelty if reptiles were 'cute and cuddly' or cost as much to buy as a pedigree dog or horse.

Like any other pet, it's not cruel if you can take care of them properly. If it's some really exotic reptile and there's no way you can keep the cage environment how the animal would need it or couldn't get the food, but bought it anyway, that would be cruel. Just like it'd be cruel to get a dog and leave it tied up all the time out back in winter with no shelter or food.

It's according to what type of reptile. Would I keep an alligator? NO. A cobra? NO.

I believe that taking a snake or other reptile (or any animal) from his wild, outdoor habitat is not a good thing. However, most types of snakes are bred captive now and I feel this is perfectly fine -- much better than taking them from the outdoors. There are many happy reptiles in people's homes -- it's not cruel if you know how to care for them correctly.

Keeping reptiles, in and of itself, is not cruel. However, keeping them improperly is most definitely cruel. And, judging by the questions and answers I see posted here, most yahoo answers posters do not keep their reptiles properly.

If you are willing to thoroughly research their care (posting questions on yahoo answers is NOT research), and house and feed the animals properly, and keep their enclosures clean, and buy only captive bred animals, then you are not being cruel.

Look at it this way- any animal that you care for properly, is an animal that won't be neglected and die at the hands of somebody else.

I have kept reptiles and amphibians my entire life and have always been in favor of people having them, but after spending time on yahoo answers, I now am convinced that the majority of captive herps will live a very short life, due to improper care. That is both cruel and pathetic.

no. as long as you take care of it well. My bearded dragon loves the dogs and hangs out in the summer. Cage in the spring, autumn and winter. But say Hi daily, be social with your reptile otherwise you just have a walking, snapping bunkmate.

And as far as cooties are concerned make sure not to lick your reptile and not to eat with your hands after handling one. Oh and wash your hand too, I hear that helps.

But then if people didn't do that they'd already have cooties huh.

You could argue that keeping any animal in captivity is cruel unless they choose to live with humans as many cats do. We can't read an animals mind so we can never be sure if they are happy. The best we can do is recreate their natural habitat as closely as possible, provide them with LOTS of space, a good varied diet, toys or objects to stimulate them mentally, give them tons of love, provide good veterinary care to keep them healthy...and hope for the best. Many animals do seem very content in captivity when they are well-cared for.

No, it's not cruel at all as long you take care of it. I have a turtle and I take good care of him

no it isn't as long as they are well taken care of. The have regular food water and 100% safety. What could be wrong with that?

NOT at all ! have no worries reptiles are populare pets and are perfectly happy in captivity:)

I heard on TV a man took a Salamander(changes color)to Aus. but it could not react there well and lived sadly.