EJAYTHER

A lot of people have reblogged this because of some argument about veganism. but I’d like to point out that more animals are subjected to cruelty than just the cute puppies and kitties and bunnies. Exotics like snakes and lizards and tarantulas are not only abused and neglected as well, but many people don’t even care because they see them as ‘lesser’ animals not worthy of love or even basic respect. Exotic pet lovers struggle with ignorant and insensitive people who would belittle them and talk about committing violent acts against their beloved companions to their face. Many pet stores are full of sick and dying reptiles, amphibians and arachnids, left to suffer until they die because the employees simply don’t care about their well-being. Exotics are stigmatized, depicted in media as the animal of choice for “creepy” people and disgruntled, sadistic bullies. Tarantulas most significantly, as cartoons such as Rugrats and Total Drama island have introduced tarantulas and had them smashed as jokes. I can honestly say that I’ve never seen one positive portrayal of tarantula ownership on television.