Reptile group rescues hundreds of rodents, rabbits from OC animal shelter

No, the rats and rabbits and guinea pigs rescued by the reptile society did not wind up as snake food, officials from the group and the county said.

But some animal activists were uneasy upon learning that the Southern California Herpetology Association & Rescue has taken possession of more than 800 animals from Orange County Animal Care since 2022.

More than 700 of those were rodents, rabbits and fowl, county data shows — a big re-homing lift for a small organization that works with other SoCal shelters as well, they said.

“How are they adopting all those animals out? Everybody is struggling now – it doesn’t make sense to me at all,” said Shelmarie Main, who has worked at several Southern California animal shelters and rescue foundations.

SoCal Herpetology is a tax-exempt organization registered to Jason Haywood in Buena Park. Any doubts about the group’s intentions reflect a societal bias against reptile people, the Southern California Herpetology Association and Rescue said by email.

“In a Reader’s Digest version, no, we have not, do not and never will feed a ‘pet’ (we consider pets animals that do not come from our feeder source) to any other animal. All of our feeders are sourced from a feeder supplier,” it said.

“Some of the reasons we have been picking up and placing ‘pet’ type animals is that many of the local small animal rescues have folded, severely downsized, do not take medical cases and are unable to take in any new animals. Over the years, we have built a network of re-habbers, private rescue groups (both local and out of state) and other organizations that do not carry a 501(c)(3) so they cannot pull animals as a rescue. We will pull them and hand them over to these folks for treatments, quarantine for future adoption and educational placement (classroom pets, petting zoo etc).

“We appreciate you reaching out to us for this instead of putting out false information. We get these questions frequently and are happy to respond and dispel the negative thoughts about reptile folks.”

Releasing rodents to herpetology partners is not necessarily rare for SoCal animal shelters.

Not uncommon

“The Irvine Animal Care Center works with various rescue partners, including a 501 (c)(3) that primarily specializes in herpetology. This organization has developed relationships with other organizations and individuals that care for pet rabbits, guinea pigs and hamsters. These animals are transferred and adopted as pets and not as a food source,” said spokeswoman Kristina Perrigoue by email.

The Riverside County Department of Animal Services also works with a handful of herpetology rescue groups, but, “We do not knowingly transfer animals that could potentially be used as a food source to any agency,” spokeswoman Kerri Mabee said by email.

The San Diego Humane Society, though, avoids releasing small furries to reptile rescues.

“No, we do not release rodents and rabbits to the herpetology groups,” said spokeswoman Nina Thompson. “We only work with them in the capacity of saving lives — reptile lives. For example, if we have a large number of tortoises, we may reach out to the San Diego Turtle and Tortoise Society and ask if they can take in any of ours to find them homes. They reach out to us sometimes, too, when they see we have a large inventory.”

Orange County Animal Care, which has been taking a beating from animal activists lately, appreciates its partnership with the SoCal Herpetology Association & Rescue.

“Over the years, SCHA&R has assisted OC Animal Care with animals in need, including large cases that involve abandonment and/or hoarding,” spokeswoman Jackie Tran said by email. “Upon placement with SCHA&R, they have a broad network of adopters and rescue agencies, ensuring appropriate placements for the pets.

“We have seen nothing to suggest SCHA&R is not adopting and placing pets as they claim. SCHA&R has a strong presence in the Orange County animal community, and we regularly see them at large-scale pet expos and adoption events, showcasing a variety of species for adoption. Additionally, we’ve collaborated with their partners, like Tanaka Farms, OC Bird Breeders Club, and various 4-H Clubs, where we have gained insight on where the animals are ultimately placed.

“Over the years, they have certainly evolved into much more than just a herpetology group. SCHA&R’s wealth of knowledge on a diverse range of animals, coupled with their vast connections to adopters and rescue agencies, makes them an incredible partner to work with.”

Some activists worry that a well-intentioned herpetology group might not know what happens down the line, after the animals are placed. Might those animals change hands again and meet less-than-Hallmark movie fate?

“Once released to the school, program, re-habber, etc., we are no longer involved, as these animals are not our ‘specialty,’” SoCal Herpetology said.

Activists want OCAC to better account for what becomes of these small animals. Our advice is not to poke around the Internet looking for info about pets as snake food — horror stories designed as morbid clickbait are unverifiable, but do put one ill-at-ease.

“The sad fact is there are way too many unwanted animals and the small animals have very few rescues to turn to,” said Kim Murrell, president of Save SomeBunny rescue. “We are completely inundated and burned out. We cannot keep up with the number of rabbits who need homes and we receive far too little donation money. The shelter relies on the rescues to do what they should be doing.”

 

Source: Orange County Register