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Post by VegasIguana on Apr 15, 2004 18:21:49 GMT -8
This isn't meant to discourage education but more so to be aware of the potential consequences that comes along with displaying your iguana, and to think of ways to prevent accidents.
I dont take Vega$ out like I used to. At the beach, she'd end up attracting a crowd very easily,esp. kids.
If someone gets tail phwapped and gets cut or claws catch someone on the face or someone ends up getting nipped.....you're liable for damages. Even if it was clear that you were very responsible and careful, it just takes one person to claim medical damages and put you into lawsuit. The claim could be false, but think of the headaches!
When I used to take Vega$ out for NIAD or herp society education, I had hand cleanser and towels available, I was right beside her, and never let folks hold her. If people were going to pet her head, I had my hand rigth by her snout. I usually directed people to touch her back more so (as far away from claws and snout as possible).
The dragons are a lot more manageable and their reactions to people is pretty much like a couch potatoe---they dont care!
Vega$ on the other hand can be moody and tempermental. We supported a NIAD presentation once, and she decided she had enough. She hopped off the table, strolled to the side of the room, and fell asleep behind some stuff. I didn't forcer her back, since I know her well enough that would just have more of a negative reaction.
Food for thought....or conversation....
des
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Post by prism_wolf on Apr 15, 2004 18:49:40 GMT -8
You're right Des. I have suggested for those doing school presentations to make sure all parties involved are asked permission...and a good thing to do is get it in writing and absolving yourself of any liability.
The teachers, the principal, the superintendant and it would probably be a good idea to use permission slips...or at least a note home... for the kids and parents for this event. Some schools are not as welcoming of this kind of open education as others.
Hand sanitizer...a must. I never leave home without it when we're out.
Read your ig. Sometimes they just don't want the attention and be prepared to shorten the physical appearance of the ig by having a carrier ready for the one who has had enough.
This is where the fact board would come in handy.
Education is an awesome tool, but being prepared is just as important...legally, factually, and physically... ;D
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Post by SurvivorSteph on Apr 15, 2004 20:58:58 GMT -8
I fully agree. As many of you know, I took Gil to a petting zoo, and after 2 hours, he had had enough! He let me know it on the way home with a very energetic bite! I knew he was near his "end" when he did the open mouth reach for a boy that wanted to pet him. THAT was the end of being pet for the day.
My young cousins both want me to bring him to their classrooms, and I think a permission slip is in order.
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Post by Tesa on Apr 16, 2004 3:35:18 GMT -8
Thrasher and I went yesterday to my son's preschool. (the 4-5 yr old group) along with my little Uromastyx. Thrasher was a bit overwhelmed at first and I just didn't let the kids come near her until she had calmed down, and still didn't let them touch her. The Uromastyx was ok tho I didn't do the permission slip with them. The teachers and I discussed it beforehand and decided we wouldnt let them touch her and a permission slip wasn't necessary. I'm planning a trip to my 10 yr old's school soon. With the older kids tho, I plan to use a permission slip for kids who want to touch/pet her. So, in addition to everything mentioned in the previous posts, take into consideration the age of the "audience", the setting, and the amount of time you plan for your iguana to be "on display". (I think the teacher's enjoyed it as much as the kids did.) ;D
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Post by Tesa on Apr 16, 2004 13:24:32 GMT -8
oh yeah, and I'll be taking some of Steph's handouts with me too. ;D
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Post by Merlin on Apr 16, 2004 15:49:13 GMT -8
Some very good points have been raised here but there is some clarification needed. Permission slips are meaningless if someone files suit on you. Even the waivers can be torn apart by a good lawyer and make it look as if you KNEW you were going to be displaying a dangerous animal, why else would you NEED a waiver? Don't get me wrong I am all for educating people and trying my darndest to talk them out of getting an iguana. I figure if I can talk them out of it they wouldn't have made it anyway! Just be aware that in our litigious society there is a lawyer just waiting for any little thing to file a suit over. After all a woman can spill hot coffee in her lap and then sue because she wasn't warned that hot coffee could burn her,...and win! Imagine what they could do if your ig scratches or bites someone.
I myself take Zok out and expose her to the general public but I am always very aware of whos around her and what type of attitude she is carrying at any given moment.
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Post by SurvivorSteph on Apr 16, 2004 23:14:36 GMT -8
You make a valid point, Merlin. Bottom line... we are responsible as ig owners to read our ig AND the crowd.
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Post by Tesa on Apr 17, 2004 5:59:35 GMT -8
I absolutely agree!! Permission slip or not, if Thrasher is in a pissy mood, I'm not letting anyone near her.
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Post by prism_wolf on Apr 19, 2004 14:45:30 GMT -8
Everyone has made very good points.
I'm bringing Zair to the Youth Village (troubled kids) for the thrid and final educational dooey. First was the ferrets... the next month was the hedgehog and ball python...now the ig.
I will not use permission slips, they all know to behave. The ages are from 6 - 18 years. I just got asked today if I would do a talk for one of the churches.
I may bring my nasty foster to show just what an unsocialized SMALL ig can be like. He, of course, will be in my care only! ;D
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Post by Merlin on Apr 20, 2004 7:15:01 GMT -8
Having a "bad" example is a wonderful idea! Most of us are seen with our igs sitting on our sholder or being held and people may think it's easy to get them to act this way. WE all know better! Nobody sees all the bloody scratches and tail welps and abrasions to our skin that led up to this beautiful peaceful iguana.
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