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The Humane Society of the United States is strongly opposed to the trade in wild-caught animals for pets because of the tremendous suffering to the animals and the damage to wild populations that it causes.
We at RICA agree completely with the Humane Society in this regard. Even though iguanas are typically “captive-bred” at farms in Central and South America for the pet trade, there is no regulation for the humane treatment of iguana hatchlings that are shipped to dealers in the U.S. Exact figures are not know, but it is estimated that 90% of the iguana hatchlings imported to the U.S. die in their first year of captivity. According to the Humane Society of the United States:
“Hundreds of thousands of reptiles die every year due to the capture and transport methods used to supply Americans with reptile pets.”
These are appalling statistics. The Humane Society of the United States has concluded that,
“Reptiles should not be kept as pets by the general public. The best way to avoid contributing to this destructive trade is to choose traditional companion animals for pets and allow reptiles to remain in the wild where they belong.”
Unfortunately, this does not address the problem of iguanas that are already here, and in need of loving homes. It was not the iguanas’ choice to be shipped thousands of miles from its natural environment to become someone’s captive pet. We at RICA promote and facilitate adoption, but our primary mission is to educate keepers of iguanas, even if they have chosen to buy a hatchling. We are dedicated to the proper care of iguanas, whether they are kept as companion animals in a forever home, waiting for a new home while in foster care, or still residing with current owners as RICA screens potential adopters.
Resource for Iguana Care and Adoption recognizes the role iguanas plays in the food chain, especially to the inhabitants of the neo-tropics. It is not our intention to judge the culture and custom of indigenous peoples of the rainforest who rely on iguanas as an important food source. Instead, we welcome the day when it is no longer profitable to farm iguanas solely for the pet trade, thus ending the pain and suffering of iguanas worldwide.
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