A reptile is for life, not just for Christmas!

10:30am Wednesday 3rd December 2008

THEY may not be as cuddly as puppies or kittens, but reptiles make the ideal slippery stocking filler.

Snakes, lizards and turtles are the second most popular pet in the UK behind cats, but one lover of the cold-blooded species has a message for those looking to give them to a loved one this Yuletide – a reptile is for life not just for Christmas.

Chris Knight, the founder of Swindon’s Reptile Rescue Centre, says despite their popularity, most of the creatures find their way to his doorstep soon after the festive season.

He hopes this year will be different but says the only way to achieve change is to educate people in the town about the responsibility that comes along with owning a reptile.

He said: “Taking care of any pet is a massive responsibility – not to mention a reptile.

“Often a good example are turtles, which are very cheap, selling at £30.

“They are very small when they are first bought and usually swim around in their little bowls. But what people sometimes don’t understand is that turtles can grow into the size of a dinner plate.”

Chris says that after last Christmas he was flooded with about 40 reptiles, all of which had to be rehomed. And although only eight Yellow Bellied Slider turtles are left – he said he still needs to find them a home.

He said: “Reptile owners are very friendly people, I suggest that anyone thinking about buying a reptile should find an owner on the internet and ask them about the responsibility involved.

“Some of the things people should expect include higher electricity bills, buying UV lamps, heating lights and heating mats. People shouldn’t buy them because they are cheap or cute – they don’t stay that way for very long.”

Chris added that although he was surprised by British Federation of Herpetologists (BFH) statistics – which put reptile numbers above the UK’s 6.5m dog population – he said he understood why.

He said: “It is not a great surprise, reptiles are nocturnal so they spend most of the day baking in the sun and are usually awake when people get home from work.

“They are not very time consuming as they don’t need long walks.

”I think they have also grown out of the old stereotypes of slimy and gross things.”

Ring the rescue centre on 07595 373482 or visit www.reptilelife.org.