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USARK
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by bigsnakedaddy on September 3, 2008
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USARK is Fighting for your Rights! Join before it is too late! I have watched USARK grow from a concerned group of reptile keepers into a National force to be reckoned with......Please let me explain...
In the spring of 2004, animal rights activists saw an opportunity to exploit tragic circumstances involving a cobra envenomation in Laurens County, SC to push forward their agenda to get animals out of private hands. Through a local politician's sponsorship Adam Taylor, a bill written and endorsed by the Animal Protection Institute (API) a proposed bill banning most all reptiles and many other exotic animals as well was sent to our state legislature for consideration/adoption.,. Bill 4403 was put forward as a solution to a public safety crisis that was nonexistant.
Using fear and cultural bias against many of these animals the AR movement attempted to make inroads into our state. Once they are established what will they want to ban next… livestock farming, hunting, fishing, and traditional household pets? SCDNR was immediately notified and through much discussion it was felt that the bill would not recieve their support due to manpower and budget constraints supported by common sense.
A grassroots campaign was started and this information was made public to concerned groups/individuals statewide. Once the word was out the phone was nonstop ringing and my email incoming box overflowing with animal lovers and concerned people offering asking for help and suggestions. I contacted Rep Adam Taylor immediately. Members of our thinktank also contacted him and once apprised of who he had been counseled by he thoughtfully and wisely withdrew support from the bill he was talked into sponsoring. Score one for our side right?
The very next year (2005) the bill (prefiled) was sponsored by State Representative Thomas as Bill 959. Once again the wheels of this organization were turning enlisting the same professionals and others to once again send this nonsense bill to the scrapheap. But our foes are undeterred and without conscience. It will resurface again and again until they get their way or get the message that we will not go quietly into the night. They must be met with the same ferocity that they themselves exhibit until their final defeat.
At the same time the bill was being introduced by Senator Garwood in North Carolina and suddenly we were fighting a war on two fronts. I was called by the top reptile people in North Carolina asking me to address this critical threat at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds in Raleigh in March 2005. I graciously accepted the invitation to speak and was advised that a representative of the NC state leislature would be present for my presentation.
That evening after the presentations were given I addressed a group of concerned individuals (including Andrew Wyatt, Mack Robinette, Gray Rushin, and Will Leary (with what would become the nucleus of the North Carolina Association of Reptile Keepers) and became an Advisory Consultant to what was then known as NCARK.. I have for more than 20 years pursued animal rights activists and met them head on to their dismay!
During the past two years I have been amazed at the tireless dedication, personal committment, undying passion, and financial generosity thru fundraisers exhibited by this group of professionals. It has been gratifying to witness the personal growth of this organization and it's driving force and President, Andrew Wyatt. Having witnessed and been exposed to much apathy in the animal/reptile kingdom I understand what all concerned are going through. I am proud to say that USARK is growing both in stature and membership. I firmly believe that this orgaization represents the spearhead for the preservation of our rights for the present and the future as well. Andrew has wisely selected as officers and board members some of the finest talent available to fight this war against the precarious freedoms we have enjoyed throughout our hobby/careers! I salute all who have dedicated their time, energy, and the many, many, people who have made financial contributions to this great organization. It is with great anticipation that we can be part of an organization that is destined to success for the benefit of us all. Best regards. Roark
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RE: USARK
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by Chris_Harper on September 9, 2008
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I personally consider USARK to be the one true chance that the reptile community has left. Hopefully, the reptile community at large will see the light and everyone will unite under that banner. Unity is our only hope.
CH
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Support USARK!!!
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by Buzztail1 on September 15, 2008
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Well for years now, the SHHS has fielded questions about someone representing their "rights to keep snakes." Now USARK is here. They are the organization that will be doing everything that they can to ensure our ability to keep snakes.
I sure hope people are smart enough to recognize and give their support to this organization before it is too late.
R/
Karl H. Betz
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