by Bushviper » Sat Sep 15, 2007 8:06 am
I suppose to each his own.
The feeling here, which Natcon agrees on, is that they cannot keep an eye on and assist every member of the public that has a tortoise but if the specific person is a member of the association then we will be a buffer between them and the "public". We also have far more time and practical knowledge to help the keeper and ultimately help the animals. It is far easier to explain to an amateur herper why babies should not just be released in any environment than "Joe Public". Finding suitable homes for excess animals is far easier via the herp societies than an ad in the junk mail for comparison.
Natcon are not husbandry experts and just administer an act so it is not imperative that they intimately conversant with all aspects of every animal species.
Our Association has books which are audited annually as required and the funds are used for venues, food and beverages at meetings, paying for parking and venue or equipment hire as well as other minor admin costs. Every year the association also sponsors a percentage of the cost of the end of year function. In the past we have had entire weekends at places like Roodeplaat Nature Reserve, Emerald Casino wildlife park, Klein Kariba Pleasure resort and even just entire days spent at Rhino and Lion Park. As you can see this money never goes into anyones pocket.
Possibly this is why we are the oldest and probably the most respected amateur herp association in South Africa.
It is easier to ask for forgiveness than permission.
Those who are afraid to ask are ashamed of learning.