Not sure what to do, surrendering a reptile to the RSPCA or similar?

CharliLynx

Hi guys, just seeking advice.

My brother was given a reptile a few years ago; we were given it told that it was a gecko and took it off a friend who didn't know what to do with it. Right from the off we knew it wasn't a gecko and the vet confirmed it was a savannah monitor.

We've followed vets advice and we've done the best we can over the last few years and for the most part, "Demon" has been a healthy, happy animal by all accounts. However, in the last four months or so it's become increasingly clear that his size is more than anyone had anticipated(!!) and that he is increasingly unhappy living with us.

Because of his age as an adult reptile and his size, we've had no luck selling him to anyone we're happy to let him go to (carefully vetted people!!) and it's now reached the point where we need to let him go. He's off his food the last week and the vet has said it's probably because he is unhappy, as there isn't anything "wrong" with him. We physically cannot do any more for him, so we need to find someone who can.

Does anyone know if the RSPCA will take him? Or if there is a similar charity that would? We have an exotic pet refuge nearby, but their waiting list is nearly 6 months long and it's not fair for him to be unhappy for that long.

jenhug

have you tried zoo's?

EmptyPockets

I admire you and your family for showing such determination to find Demon (!) a new home. I've no helpful advice - wouldn't know where to start!!! - but just wanted to say best of luck with it, I hope he finds the perfect home to make him happy.

P.S ... is his name really... Demon? :rotfl:

Froglet

found these places

http://www.beaverwaterworld.com/

http://www.freewebs.com/2ndchancereptiles/

http://www.safehavenrescuecentre.co.uk/

http://www.reptiliareptilerescue.co.uk/

http://www.dorsetreptilerescue.co.uk/default.html

hopefully one of these should be able to help.Good on you for recognising you can no longer give him the proper conditions he needs.Let us know how you get on

hethmar

Well done too from me for recognising you need a specialist to care for him. Im sure that a reptile forum will be able to help you too. xxx

http://www.rspcareptilerescue.co.uk/reptilerescue/
http://www.berkshirereptiles.co.uk/
http://www.noahs-ark.freeuk.com/
http://www.beaverwaterworld.com/
http://www.dorsetreptilerescue.co.uk/
http://www.reptilerescueden.org/Home.html
http://nationalreptilerescue.org.uk/

nikki702

I didnt know what savannah monitor was so googled... blimey it gets big!

Good luck in finding him a new home

cheepskate_2

This is the same monitor that my friend had and even their big dominant doberman was scared of it.
They eventually had to give it away to a guy who did rescue as nobody wanted it aswell.

Personally I think their should be a ban on these types of animals as anyone can just go and buy them and probably a very high percentage getinto this situation.

Hope you find a home for him

Froglet

Yes and a lot suffer too in the hands of ignorant people.I think they should all be left in the wild,where they belong.Snakes should not be imprisoned in a tank,nor any other reptile.It's just not fair.

Catslovelycats

Just seen this on wikipedia:
"very powerful jaws that can easily crush bone and very strong, sharp teeth. Maximum size is usually 4 feet".
Yikes! Think I'll stick to guinea pigs!

All the best with whatever you end up doing. You could always phone rspca. If they can't help you then they'd surely be able to direct you to a specialist that can take him. They must have all sorts of connections.

hethmar

Ring the zoos too.

shegirl

RSPCA aren't very good with reps (and don't think they should be kept as pets).

Monitors get very big and can be rather dangerous if narked (I've seen photos of the damage a pet one has done before...guy had a hole in his head,huge gashes in his hands etc etc :-O) so I don't blame you one bit for deciding to rehome him!How the hell somebody confused a gecko with a monitor I don't know:rotfl::rotfl: They are definately for experienced keepers too!

If you head over to www.reptileforums.co.uk the guys there will be able to help you,give you advice on rehoming and possibly someone will rehome him themselves as many of the members have their own reptile rescues too and will take unwanteds and those that are ill and need specialist treatment,feeding etc so you may well find yourself some help.They are great over there and incredibly helpful.

Good luck!

ps can we have some piccies?