Alleged Bearded Dragon Abuse by PetSmart Supplier

New Study Finds that U.S. Border Wall May Interfere with Animals’ Migration Patterns

A new study by the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute hypothesizes that the Texas border wall will hinder animal migration. Two government departments, the Customs and Border Patrol and the Fish and Wildlife Service, have agreed to fund the research. Researchers will determine whether the wall interrupts migration patterns by investigating its effect on mountain lions. Investigators will track mountain lions by GPS, following whether and how the cats move across the Texas-Mexico border.

While wildlife openings are included along the border wall to permit migration, scientists hope to determine whether large mammals utilize them. Another study found that wildlife openings hindered migration, as they were too small and difficult for bears, deer, and wild turkeys to navigate. If new research proves that wildlife openings interfere with animal migration, officials may have to consider a new solution along the border.  

High School Robotics Team Petition for Whale Welfare Receives 15,000 Signatures

An award-winning high school robotics team out of Norcross, Georgia, has garnered more than 15,000 signatures on a Change.org petition. The petition seeks to implement mandatory seasonal slowdowns for commercial ships in whale zones. Commercial ships rank as a primary cause of ocean noise pollution.

Seasonal slowdowns would decrease noise pollution, a significant threat to marine life. Noise pollution decreases whales’ ability to communicate, navigate, and find food. The petition claims that seasonal slowdowns are practical and feasible and would minimally impact shipping profits, calling it a “win-win situation.” Find out more about the petition here.

Alleged Bearded Dragon Abuse by PetSmart Supplier

A PetSmart animal supplier out of Ohio is coming under fire after an employee revealed footage concerning animal cruelty and mistreatment to PETA. The supplier, Reptiles by Mack, held dozens of bearded dragons in horrible conditions. Some reptiles reportedly trembled involuntarily due to a supposed illness. Other dragons were missing appendages as if they had been severed.

Furthermore, Reptiles by Mack’s breeding practices were found to be abusive, with reports of female reptiles being left in garbage cans to lay eggs, sometimes going days without water or food. According to the employee, bearded dragons were gassed with carbon dioxide if they were born defective or grew too slowly. Nearly 70 bearded dragons died within two months of the worker’s employment period. Learn more at Peta.org.