My mate was reading the local newspaper and they had a article on Sugar Gliders, he emailed them and said my mate Steve (me) has got Sugar Gliders, Snakes, scorpions, tarantulas, centipedes, and a Crocodile.

I am also the first person in 10 yrs in Stevenage to have a DWA.

Im just worried that if my neighbours see it , crocodile in the garage blah blah blah ....

Dunno what to do , they have just phoned me and they are very interested in doing it.

Whats everybodys thoughts ?

Thanks

Steve

As long as you can fill it with positive information and it doesn't turn into a negative piece I think it's a good idea..

I don't know how your neighbours feel, but surely if you have a DWA everything is safe and secure and there's no real reason for them to worry.. as long as you don't live in a council property or your landlord doesn't know about it and will kick you out or something

We need all the good press we can get.

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I remember reading about Jason, he had an article in the local rag, about his venomous snakes with a picture of a rattlesnake, and there was major uproar, people writing to the council saying it should never be allowed others moaning that he had single handedly lowered house prices, right fun and games.

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And that is the problem right there.. all it takes is one person to write in stating that the house proces could be affected and bang! Damn it!

What to do? Well they know all about you, and if they are scumbags, they could do a piece anyway, stating all the negatives without the facts. If you can take the licks, then go for it... we have nothing to be ashamed about, and if anyone starts up the house price stuff, just state the simple fact that a person with a noisey dog can also affect local house prices. Be positive, not defensive, but try not to let them dictate the piece ie, you show them around, show them the animals, explain about them..

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Does it actually effect house prices? if so, surely thats not right? i mean, there is a DWA liscence and vet checks for a reason..

I think that was just peoples opinions running away with them, not sure it was ever proved

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It doesn't, but that is not the point. The insinuation is enough to have people slabbering.

The best way, imo, is for the interviewee to lead the interview, and keep the interviewer asking suplementary questions.

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i personally wouldnt

you will probably find its more hastle than its worth

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not here much, if you need me email me at: lee_39.0@hotmail.co.uk and i will get back to you a lot sooner

You're absolutely right! We never had any problem until one of the neigbours put their house up for sale! As soon as the sign went up the environmental health came round, and then the RSPCA. Neither found a problem, but what a coincidence, they put their house up for sale and we get hassle! We figured it was them because they used to talk to us before the visits!!

What was the article on Suggies like, any good or full of misinformation?

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Sugar Glider (very) Basics
Suggies should NEVER be kept alone
Suggies should NEVER be fed rodent/parrot mix
Suggies need a well researched and balanced diet
Suggies need to be kept warm
Find out more at - http://www.sugar-glider.co.uk/forum/index.php

I'd be careful, you will not get to see the article before it's printed and you never know how they will choose to edit it and represent what you've said..

If it goes well it'd be great..if not then it'll be a huge mistake.

Basically you never know what angle they will go with, it's rarely if ever upto the reporter. If the editor wants a "crazy loon keeps croc" then that is how it will come accross in the papers regardless of how you think it went.

Mason

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