The code does recognise that each situation is different. In the preface it specifically states that there are exemptions and I agree with the code. I believe that pets should be kept in larger enclosures and be happy.
I'm from NSW and recently moved to QLD but I think regardless of state, there needs to be guidelines. Reptiles aren't domesticated animals and haven't been kept as pets for as long as dogs and cats (for example).
I'm really interested to find out exactly why so many people are up in arms about this. Is it just the matter of principle? Because all I can see is that this code is focused on keeping our pets safe and happy.
A bigger enclosure for our pets is not something we should whinge about. At all. It's a tiny space in our house compared to how much room we have for ourselves. Our neighbours let their cats and dogs roam around their house while most keep their reptile in a heated box.
Whinge and petition all you want, I don't see how you're fighting for any greater good.
You totally miss the point. You use of the term "happy," twice in your post, when referring to a sentiment that we cannot be sure a reptile even feels, is simply anthropomorphism, which removes objectivity from the discussion. For me, a far stronger indication that we are doing it right is "health," without which "happiness" cannot exist. Collectively, our reptiles have never been healthier, or bred better, since we learned what parameters are necessary to keep them healthy.
I don't think you're "really interested to find out exactly why people are up in arms about this." It has been pointed out, by me, that a dozen of the country's most experienced herp experts, with about three centuries of collective knowledge, were asked by NPWS to collaborate with them to produce a Code of Practice to assist keepers with husbandry practices. I have explained the background to our unanimous rejection of the Code being mandated in law, rather than used as an educational guideline, on several threads on this site.
Your objection is based purely on personal sentiment, and that's fine - you're entitled to your opinion. But you are not entitled to advocate to have your personal opinions set into law which will affect many thousands of keepers in NSW, simply because you have a particular belief. That is exactly what has happened in NSW. Bureaucrats with a particular set of personal beliefs set about to install into law, without demonstrating that there was any need, a range of constraints on keepers which are only a reflection of their own values. The entire Code is a totally arbitary document, and as such will do nothing to assist or improve the health (and "happiness" if you like) of our captives.
I literally do have far more concern about the dreadful things that many keepers do to their rats, the keeping AND ESPECIALLY the killing of, than I do about the way the average keeper looks after his/her reptiles.
Jamie
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