Las Cruces Reptile Rescue Tragedy   Update on our tragedy: As of today, September 18, 2006, the police have not informed us of any leads concerning the perpetrators of this horrendous crime. However, the good news is that Gloria, our albino Burmese Python, is gaining her strength back. After having been stabbed 12 times, and beaten from head to tail, she seems to be recovering. It will be another week or so before we'll know for certain if she will survive her attack. As for people concerned about our tragic event, we here at the Rescue are overwhelmed at the response we've gotten from so many people. We've been getting letters, donations, e-mails, supplies, etc., not only from our own community, but from people all over the country, Canada, Australia, the UK, and the list goes on. It is so heart-warming to see so many people care! We can't possibly thank every single donor and supporter personally, but we would like to take this time to sincerely thank all of you who have supported us in our crisis. It is truly wonderful to know there are so many people out there who care so much about reptiles and other animals. It makes us here at the LCRR very PROUD to be associated with so many generous and caring people. And, we know that if our reptiles could talk, they would give a resounding "Thank You!" to each and every one of you who have been there for us during our moment of need. Again, thank you all so very much for your kindness and support! We would like to put up a page to give recognition to all of you who have supported us in this time of tragedy. So, if you would kindly e-mail us and give us permission to place your name on the page, we would be most grateful. Those who do not give us specific permission to list their names will not be included on the public list. For those of you who wish to remain anonymous, please know that we are forever grateful for your kindness! Original Story published September 11, 2006, can be found below:   On September 10th, 2006, someone broke into our new director's home. Mike Daniels' place was vandalized to the point of being "unlivable." The vandals killed many of the rescued reptiles Mike kept in his home. Among the dead are a Reticulated Python, a Bearded Dragon, 2 Burmese Pythons, 2 Western Diamondback Rattlesnakes, 2 Gray-Banded Kingsnakes, and others. So far 4 snakes have survived the attack, although our 10 foot albino Burmese Python, Gloria, is in critical condition with multiple stab wounds. We do not know if she will survive, although we are sincerely hoping. The killers (there had to be more than one) used several knives, a fireplace poker and at least 2 frying pans to beat the animals to death. They hit the animals so hard that they broke off the handles of both frying pans. They also injured several turtles by smashing stones onto their shells. We are all in shock over this tragedy. What kind of sick, psychotic people could do such a thing to these poor animals? Some had come to our rescue from abusive/neglective homes. This has been a devastating blow to our rescue efforts. The Police have no suspects or motive so far, and crime scene investigators spent most of the morning lifting fingerprints and cataloging evidence. The only thing obvious is that there were multiple suspects. Damages and replacement costs for smashed caging, etc., will run upwards of $6,000 to $7,000. We are in desparate need of donations to help our rescue get back up and running. If anyone would like to help by making a donation. please click on the PayPal banner below, or you can send a check or money order to the following address: Las Cruces Reptile Rescue, 9321 Corona Road, Las Cruces, New Mexico. 88012. Thank you for your support. You can make a donation/Payment to the Las Cruces Reptile Rescue by clicking on the PayPal logo below:

We have some very sad news! On May 6, 2006 our mascot Baby succumed to old age and went to the rainbow bridge.  Baby had been with us for 10 years fromm 1996 till yesterday. This is one of the hardest letters for us to write. Baby was part of our family, she was loved, spoiled, and had a special place in our hearts. She liked to watch my husband wash dishes, she sat on his shoulders. Baby did not like mirrors she would rear up and give a real nasty look to the iggy in the mirror. We recieved Baby from a pet store nobody wanted her she came with a cage mate Iggy who passed over the bridge several years ago. We took them in and they were just the perfect iguanas. Over the next few years Baby did educational shows with us she loved entertaining the crowds and she loved the kids. On the way to an educatinal show she would ride on the dash of the car we reieved some of the strangest looks from other drivers.  That was Baby's spot and she took many rides with us, she went all over with us just enjoying the scenery. As Baby got older she retired to a life of riley! We have a son that is challenged and the two of them were best buddies they hid in the kitchen cabinet together. Trevor always had a hidding spot for. The day before she passed she enjoyed having a nice warm bath with Blinky and they chowed on their fresh greens and veggies and a little treat. We knew her health was declining and knew we would have to make a decision eventualy! Baby just went to sleep it was a shock she was interactive in the morning and early afternoon. We went over to give them their good night misting and Baby was gone!!!! This letter is written as tears stream down my face! Baby taught us so much and loved everyone! Baby will remain our mascot. Please remember her in your thoughts today. Thank you Noreen Pets Are Us Rescue

Trade in Prairie Dogs, Gambian Rats and other African Rodents Affected by Ban When an outbreak of monkeypox linked to pet prairie dogs and Gambian pouched rats was confirmed in June 2003, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Department of Human Health and Safety (HSS) issued a joint order that banned the import of several African rodents and also the transport, sale or release of pet prairie dogs. At the time, it was clear that although the outbreak was quite mild, it was potentially serious enough that the exotic pet trade was going to come under close scrutiny. With a few exceptions, the import of exotic species from around the world into the US is a largely unregulated industry. The outbreak of monkey pox made many people consider the potential for human health risks related to importing exotic species.  On November 4 2003, the CDC and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a joint "Interim Final Rule," that makes the previous order permanent as well as adding some new restrictions. The new order specifically bans the capture of wild prairie dogs, and the trade in prairie dogs within states as well as between states. The imports and sale of several African rodents is also banned. The order also has a provision where any other animals that are found to carry monkeypox can be added to the ban. Summary of the New Interim Final Rule: Import of the following African rodents is banned (both directly from Africa and via other countries) Tree squirrels (Sciurus) Rope squirrels (Funisciurus)  Dormices (Graphiurus) Gambian Giant Pouched Rats (Cricetomys gambianus) Brush-tailed porcupines (Atherurus africanus) Striped mice (Typomys)  "Capture, offers to capture, transport, offers to transport, sale, barter, or exchange, offers to sell, barter, or exchange distribution, offers to distribute, or release of a listed animal into the environment" are all prohibited, for prairie dogs and the rodents listed above. Note that the capture of prairie dogs in the wild with the intent of keeping in captivity is now banned. The regulations were clarified to now specifically prohibit trade both within states and between states. These restrictions are meant to diminish the potential for spread of monkeypox in the US. While prairie dogs were directly involved in the June 2003 outbreak, they seem to have become a scapegoat in the final rules. Their role in the spread of monkeypox was secondary and accidental. Given the suspected source of the virus in the outbreak, the ban on importing the the rodents that might carry monkeypox may have merit. However, in theory the import ban should prevent the possible spread of monkeypox to prairie dogs, so I am not sure I understand the need to ban prairie dogs as pets too.

SPRING HAS SPRUNG AND SO HAS NATURE  Spring is here and so is the cycle of nature. We are getting lots and lots of calls concerniing the sightings of snakes. Twice a year we have to co-exist with these animals doing what nature has intended. At this time of year many animals including snakes are looking for food and for a mate. During this time they are looking every where including around your home. We need these animals to protect us from being over run by rodents etc. The snakes are more afraid of you than you are of them. It is best you just close your doors and let them continue on their way. Never ever corner a snake they will lung from fear. Don't kill a snake Cutting off the head of a venomous is dangerous since they can still bite for up to an hour ater head decapitation. If you find a snke in your home call a professional don't do it yourself. Learn to identifie the snakes in your area the web has great resourdes for this. Teach your children to leave ALL the wildlife alone. Preventative measures you can take to prevent animals and snakes from getting in your home. Put 1/4 heave screening on all vents in your home, dryer vent, under the sink vent, atic vents, etc. Purchase some moth balls and crush them into a powder (do not inhale the dust from the moth balls TOXIC) make a line around your home and do not break the line. Sprinkle the moth balls around the bushes and plants. We have studied the effect of moth balls and it has proven that snakes will not cross it. You can also purchase lime from your garden store and spread that on your lawn as well this will burn the snakes under beely scales. You may also get furry critters in your firplace and duct work so make sure eveything is capped and screened off. We must learn to co-exist with these animals and this is the best suggestions for those whom do not want these animals in their yards etc. Save the animals and follow the guidelines as listed above. If you have any questions please email us and we will help you the best we can.    WILD TEXAS RAT SNAKE REMOVED FROM A HOME IN HOUSTON, TX When domestic and exotic pets show up in the wild it is difficult to know whether the animal escaped or was released. Owners must take precautions to make sure their pets do not escape but I suppose accidents do happen.  However, some people believe that when their domestic and exotic pets get too difficult to manage, it is okay to release them to fend for themselves. Perhaps they couldn't find another home, or a shelter take them (most rescues are full of pets people have found too difficult). Under no circumstances should domestic or exotic pets be released, for a number of reasons.   The end results are the same regardless of how the domestic or exotic pets get into the wild.  Cruelty Issues The harsh reality is that the vast majority of released pets will die. Some will die quickly, possibly after getting hit by a vehicle or running into a predator. Others will die a long, slow death by starvation. Either way, it is extremely cruel to return a pet into the wild. Many so-called exotic pets are more domestic than they are wild, and do not have the skills to survive in the wild. Even those that were originally wild-caught still have a difficult time adapting to a new environment, where their usual food is not available or the conditions may not be suitable. Life in the wild is no picnic, especially for animals that are used to free food and shelter. It is even worse if animals are released into an environment that is not suitable (be it temperature, humidity, availability of water or hiding places, etc.). Of course, some animals become the exceptions to the above scenario, but a happy ending is still not the usual result. Please search for a rescue never release any animals to the wild! Never take animals out of the wild, many animals can become endangered!