Reptile Rescue Urges Responsible Ownership Amid Surge in Surrenders
WINNIPEG – A local reptile rescue that has been operating under an intake freeze since shortly after its launch in 2022 is advocating for a decrease in the number of surrendered reptiles, citing a growing issue of inadequate care among pet owners.
Annette Lyss, also known as Queen Boberta, runs Boberta’s Dragons Reptile Rescue. She expressed concern that too many reptiles are being given up because many owners lack the necessary knowledge to care for them properly.
Lyss, who appeared on CityNews early Wednesday morning, brought several of her rescued reptiles, including bearded dragons and snakes, to the studio. One of the animals she introduced was Gates McDragon, a bearded dragon who suffered from improper care during the first year of his life. Without adequate lighting, Gates developed permanent neurological damage due to a lack of calcium. As a result, his bones became nearly invisible in scans, and he struggled to digest food properly. Gates is now a permanent resident at Lyss’s rescue.
“Reptiles are masters at hiding illness, so they can survive in terrible conditions for a long time, but they aren’t thriving,” explained Lyss. Gates’ urgent need for care was the catalyst for Boberta’s Dragons opening its doors earlier than planned.
Unfortunately, Gates is not an isolated case. Lyss emphasized that many well-intentioned reptile owners are given outdated or incorrect advice, often at the point of sale in large chain pet stores. Starter kits, which are commonly sold for reptiles and small mammals, are frequently too small and lack proper lighting or even suitable food.
“When you buy reptiles from pet stores, the staff doesn’t always know what is required for their care,” Lyss stated.
Beyond improper care at pet stores, Lyss also raised concerns about unethical breeding practices and the importation of reptiles by non-reputable breeders.
Dr. Toni Moritz, a veterinarian at Whyte Ridge Veterinary Hospital, works closely with Lyss to provide medical care for the rescued reptiles. She agreed that many people assume reptiles are low-maintenance pets, but in reality, they require significant effort and expertise.
“There’s a misconception that reptiles are easy first pets,” Dr. Moritz said. “But they actually require a lot of knowledge, equipment, research, and ongoing care.”
Dr. Moritz further explained that reptiles’ physiological differences from cats and dogs make it difficult for owners to detect illness early. “Their metabolisms are different, and by the time they show symptoms, they’ve likely been sick for a long time.”
She stressed the importance of thorough research before acquiring a reptile, encouraging potential owners to seek advice from trusted sources like experienced breeders or rescues. Dr. Moritz also highlighted the necessity of regular veterinary check-ups, noting that only a few clinics in Winnipeg are equipped to care for reptiles.
Proper habitat and equipment, referred to as husbandry, are critical for reptile health, according to Dr. Moritz. Inadequate enclosures and improper care can lead to severe medical issues and drastically shorten lifespans. In contrast, reptiles kept in ideal conditions can live for decades. She recalled her oldest reptile patient, who lived to the age of 65.
Many of the reptiles brought to Boberta’s Dragons had never been seen by a veterinarian before entering the rescue. “People either don’t realize they should take their reptile to a vet, or they don’t know there are vets who can care for them,” Lyss explained.
To prevent more surrenders, Lyss urged prospective pet owners to adopt from qualified breeders who are knowledgeable about reptile care, rather than purchasing from large chain pet stores.
“Please, do not buy any pet from a big-box pet store,” Lyss advised.
By emphasizing proper care and responsible adoption, Lyss and Dr. Moritz hope to reduce the number of reptiles that end up in rescue shelters, ensuring that these unique animals can live long and healthy lives in loving homes.