Is this legal, What should i do!

[mikeg]

Azhael i agree.

I don't see a problem with them being used as legit research to help improve the lives of not only the Axolotls but us aswell. From my understanding the GFP genetic mutation was introduced in a lab by combining jelly fish DNA with the Axolotl DNA to locate Cancer deep within the body. From what i know there is no defects of a Axolotl having this mutation. Dyeing a Axolotl is not going to help with research as such.

Luminous cells from jellyfish could diagnose cancers deep within human body -- ScienceDaily

 

[jAfFa CaKe]

Wow, I just read the whole thread, an amazing (but slightly cruel) story. I personally agree with everything Auntiejude has said, have you contacted any animal welfare groups yet?

 

[arrowwood]

Lots of species hybridize with others naturally. Abystoma in particular. A fair amount of food occurs because of interspecies hybridization and artificial selection in captivity. Chickens and cattle are products of both, for example. Even vegetarians (especially vegetarians) can't complain about selective breeding, most vegetables wouldn't exist without it.

 

[arrowwood]

Yes the Gfp gene was originally sequenced from a jellyfish.

Cancer in particular was probably not the original intent behind transgenic Gfp plants and animals. It was probably just another research tool for use in figuring out how things work (protein movement in organisms, for example). Cancer research is just another use for the same tool.

A starting point can be found here-
PLOS ONE : accelerating the publication of peer-reviewed science

However, Gfp research predates the internet, so original Gfp axie research is probably hard copy only.

 

[Boomsloth]

Axolotls were used in the lab because they are just so amazing at regeneration. I read a german lab used the GFP gene to monitor the cells migration during this process.

 

[Boomsloth]

also GFP is just one of the easier accessible fluorescent tags used in science. There are also RFP BFP you name it. however axolotls were used for science first and are not created for aesthetics like the glofish.

 

[bruiser1]

1) report him to somebody. even if he is full of it, he'll be on the aspca's radar in case he tries in the future. if he's not full of it, you saved those axies tons of pain and stress.
2) he's not being a responsible pet owner. if you can't afford to feed yourself, you can't afford luxuries like pets.
3) Conclusion: don't do any further business with him, whether by not replying to future contact attempts or sending a formal letter explaining that you don't agree with what he plans to do with animals you sold him. either he's doing something wrong or lying to you. either way, this isn't a guy to be affiliated with.

side note: even if this guy didn't pay and didn't intend to, suing would not be a good idea. Chances are, this kid doesn't have a license to sell live animals, so this whole transaction is under the table, like babysitting.