The Ball Python (substitute: Leopard Gecko, Bearded Dragon, Sulcata Tortoise, etc.) situation is unfortunate, but it makes sense. I would never keep a snake (or other reptile) the way a lot of the breeders do; it just doesn't feel right.
That said, most of the breeders I have observed have very healthy animals. I have a bigger problem with the sheer quantity produced versus the apparent demand. I don't really believe that reptiles feel "happiness", "loneliness", etc., so if the animal is kept alive and healthy by a responsible caretaker that is generally enough for me.
(On a side note, the space requirements for a Ball Python really are minimal. They are very inactive creatures and not natural "wanderers" even in their natural habitat, if their needs are satisfied. For me that is actually a huge downside. I'll take my active (albeit primarily at night) Jungle Carpet any day of the week.)
That said, most of the breeders I have observed have very healthy animals. I have a bigger problem with the sheer quantity produced versus the apparent demand. I don't really believe that reptiles feel "happiness", "loneliness", etc., so if the animal is kept alive and healthy by a responsible caretaker that is generally enough for me.
(On a side note, the space requirements for a Ball Python really are minimal. They are very inactive creatures and not natural "wanderers" even in their natural habitat, if their needs are satisfied. For me that is actually a huge downside. I'll take my active (albeit primarily at night) Jungle Carpet any day of the week.)