What Animal Control Really Thinks of Reptile Keepers

Ep. 248 - In this episode, I’m joined by Brendan Hettinger, an animal protection officer who has seen the worst cases of reptile keeping firsthand. We break down the dark reality behind reptile rescues, hoarding situations, and how well-intentioned keepers can unintentionally cause serious harm. We also discuss what animal control actually sees, why bad cases shape legislation, and what responsible keepers can do to protect the future of the hobby. ⚠️ This episode contains some disturbing content. SHOW NOTES: https://www.animalsathomenetwork.com/248-brendan-hettinger/ SPONSORS: Visit The BioDude: https://www.thebiodude.com/ Visit Zoo Med Labs here: https://zoomed.com/ #248 #animalsathomepodcast JOIN US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/animalsathome LINKS FROM THE EPISODE: https://kdvr.com/news/local/114-cats-rescued-some-found-dead-in-arvada-home-owners-face-cruelty-charges/ https://www.instagram.com/brendan_hettinger/ Photos and Video in Episode: https://www.instagram.com/brendan_hettinger/ 00:00 – Introduction & warning 02:23 – Meet Brendan Hettinger 02:57 – Early passion for reptiles & zoo experience 08:12 – Becoming an animal protection officer 12:20 – What animal control actually does (disease, euthanasia, etc.) 17:20 – Cat hoarding case (100+ cats, biohazard conditions) 21:50 – How reptile keepers are perceived by law enforcement 28:50 – Reptile cases 34:54 – Is Animal Protection a good career path? 36:35 – Why reptile rescues often fail & hoarding 57:04 – Colorado's new herping law 1:05:10 – Brendan’s personal collection 1:09:00 – Final thoughts SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST: APPLE► https://apple.co/347PjSO SPOTIFY► https://spoti.fi/2UG5NOI GOOGLE► https://bit.ly/3dX6bQq _________________________________________ WEBSITE► https://www.animalsathome.ca EMAIL►hello@animalsathome.ca FACEBOOK► https://www.facebook.com/AnimalsatHome.ca/ INSTAGRAM► https://www.instagram.com/animalsathomeca/ DONATE TO AMAZON RAINFOREST CONSERVANCY (ARC): http://amazonrainforestconservancy.com/ BELOW ARE MY AMAZON AFFILIATE LINKS. PLEASE READ DISCLAIMER: More information here: https://www.animalsathome.ca/affiliate-disclaimer/ PODCAST EQUIPMENT: ZOOM H6: https://amzn.to/3n2YBIP Shure SM58: https://amzn.to/2Gqx2Ze Microphone Boom: https://amzn.to/33g40UT Microphone Desk Stand: https://amzn.to/34r6wHx Headphones: https://amzn.to/3cLmdNl FILM & OTHER EQUIPMENT: Shelving Unit: https://amzn.to/2waz0nD Camera: http://amzn.to/2D8Ed0w Lavalier Microphone: http://amzn.to/2oPjpac Action Camera: http://amzn.to/2HeDug Voice Over Microphone: https://amzn.to/2AXyq22 Drill: https://amzn.to/2SH9Veg ABOUT DILLON: Welcome to my channel, Animals at Home! Here you will find the reptile videos I have made as well as video versions of The Animals at Home Podcast! The podcast mainly focuses on the pet reptile industry. My mission with Animals at Home is simple: To inspire others to push the limits of their reptile husbandry by promoting the importance of high-level, creative husbandry individualized for each reptile.