Major Retailers Remove Snake Care Misinformation Following PETA Legal Action

In a landmark settlement that animal rights advocates are calling a victory for snake welfare, online retailers Reptmart and Snakes at Sunset have agreed to remove misleading information about snake care from their websites following a lawsuit by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).

The retailers will now provide evidence-based, accurate information about proper snake care and enclosure sizes to customers. As part of the settlement, both businesses have also agreed to cease selling snakes in the District of Columbia.

PETA’s lawsuit, filed in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia on behalf of consumers, challenged what it described as “dangerous misinformation” about snake husbandry practices. The organization specifically targeted advice that suggested large snakes could be kept in enclosures too small for their needs.

“Thanks to PETA’s lawsuit, Reptmart and Snakes at Sunset can no longer advise consumers to cram six-foot snakes into three-foot tanks, which is like stuffing an adult’s foot into a baby’s bootie,” said Asher Smith, PETA Foundation General Counsel. “PETA urges everyone to leave wildlife in the wild but, if they already own a snake, to know that snakes must fully stretch out or they are likely to suffer physical consequences and stress.”

The legal action highlighted several essential care requirements for captive snakes that the retailers allegedly failed to communicate to customers. According to PETA’s complaint, snakes need sufficient space to fully extend their bodies, proper humidity levels for shedding, and other species-specific conditions to thrive in captivity.

Without these basic necessities, snakes can develop serious health problems including muscle atrophy, reduced bone density, spinal injuries, stress, malnutrition, infections, and various diseases. The lawsuit also claimed that the retailers misleadingly marketed snakes as “easy” or “starter pets” without adequately explaining their complex care requirements.

The reptile industry in the United States has grown substantially in recent years, with the American Pet Products Association estimating that 4.5 million U.S. households own reptiles. This expansion has raised concerns among animal welfare organizations about proper education for reptile owners and appropriate regulation of the industry.

Wildlife experts note that the natural behavior of snakes is considerably more complex than many realize. Snake mothers protect their eggs vigilantly, and some species provide extended care for their offspring. Many snake species are social creatures, forming communities with distinct social structures and even cooperative hunting behaviors.

The settlement represents a significant shift in how reptile retailers may be required to present care information, potentially influencing industry standards beyond these two companies. It also highlights the growing legal scrutiny of pet industry practices related to exotic animals.

“The captive environments where most pet snakes live bear little resemblance to their natural habitats,” explained a herpetologist familiar with the case who requested anonymity. “In the wild, these animals would have access to diverse terrains like forests, jungles, or deserts where they can regulate their temperature, find shelter, and engage in natural behaviors like swimming or climbing.”

The lawsuit is part of PETA’s broader campaign to improve conditions for reptiles in captivity and discourage the keeping of exotic wildlife as pets. The organization has long maintained that wild animals should remain in their natural environments rather than being kept as companion animals.

Following the settlement, both retailers will be required to provide documentation showing they have updated their care information to reflect scientifically accurate standards. This case could potentially serve as a precedent for future actions against other retailers in the exotic pet industry who provide similar care guidance.

As the exotic pet industry continues to grow, this settlement may signal increased attention to the welfare standards and consumer information provided by retailers of non-traditional pets.