What would you do? - Experts Forum at VenomousReptiles.org

What would you do?	Reply
by mac142 on February 12, 2009	Mail this to a friend!
What would you do if your state passed a law banning the captivity of all venomous reptiles? This is for people that live in states that allow them. If your state does not allow them and you keep them anyway please do not answer this question.

RE: What would you do?	Reply
by earthguy on February 12, 2009	Mail this to a friend!
That depends on MANY factors...but I can summarize two scenarios: 1) If I thought the law was sufficiently strong (and maybe even justified) then I would give up my hots for the idiots that caused me to lose them (sometimes we all suffer for the idiocy of others) 2) If I thought the law was unjust then I would keep the snakes out in the open so that I could challenge the law CORRECTLY (Thoreau's civil disobedience) If all else fails I'm not above running for office to make my voice heard :-). Of course the easier thing is to PREVENT the loss of that particular priveledge. The only way to do that is through education (since we can't seem to eradicate the idiots)

RE: What would you do?	Reply
by Kingetula on February 12, 2009	Mail this to a friend!
Depends on a few things I guess. I am in the system for having Venomous snakes so I'm guessing a friendly officer would come by to verify all Venomous snakes have been removed off the property. (Only guessing) What is the punishment for getting caught? Fine? Jail time? Smack on the wrist? The secret to keeping Venomous snakes is to follow the rules taught by indoor Marijuana growers. Keep your mouth shut! Do not show them off. (Keep them in a room that is locked and do not let anyone know what is in that room, you just keep junk in there if anyone asks) DO NOT GET BIT by an exotic snake. It’s hard to tell the Hospital you were out walking in the in the hills of California and a Puff Adder bit you. Do not call the cops if your house is broken into or invite officials to your house for any reason. Do not let your house catch on fire. Just be smart and no one will ever know. Most people get caught because they can’t keep their mouth shut! Jail and loosing my kid keeps me from breaking the laws. I just pay the fee each year and let Officer Friendly come in and check out my snakes from time to time. If the first offence was minor I could keep them without getting caught and probably risk it. No one knows what goes on in your house unless you let people know. KEEP YOU MOUTH SHUT!

RE: What would you do?	Reply
by Buzztail1 on February 12, 2009	Mail this to a friend!
Ladies and gentlemen. I would caution you on how you respond to these types of forum questions. Several Law Enforcement Officers from several different agencies visit our website on a regular basis. Several busts have referenced this site. Openly stating that you would break the law because you don't agree with it or that no-one would know is pretty much like throwing the gauntlet in their faces. If you choose to not keep legally, then do not post about it here. Do not even post about intent to do it here. We do not support illegal activity here. Am I telling you that you can't respond? No. Am I telling you that you can't post what you feel or believe? No. Am I telling that you shouldn't be surprised when someone knocks on your door with or without a warrant? I promise you would not be the first one! Pay attention to what you are telling the world. Because that is who can read what you write here... The whole world. Be careful, folks. R/ Karl

RE: What would you do?	Reply
by Kingetula on February 13, 2009	Mail this to a friend!
I have nothing to hide or fear as all my activities are legal. I don't mind having the officers come by (2 have so far). They are cool as shit. (They have some great stories to tell) I apologize only for my above post if it broke the forum rules. I guess I am a reble when it comes to Big Goverment telling us what we can or can't do. I agree with laws and we need them but some laws are just stupid and need changing. The more the people revolt the louder our voice and the more likely things will change.

RE: What would you do?	Reply
by mac142 on February 13, 2009	Mail this to a friend!
The reason for this question was to gather data on what would or could happen for the purpose of as series of letters I am writing. This question is for people that legally keep venomous reptiles or live in a state that allows the captivity of venomous reptiles. At the rate laws in this country are being passed our hobby will cease to exist in the coming years. People will have to find other lines of work and livelihoods will be destroyed. I can not change everyone’s way of thinking as one person but I can do something. Will what I do overturn laws in states that do not currently allow individuals to keep venomous reptiles? I’m not sure. I do know that doing something will be more helpful than doing nothing at all.

RE: What would you do?	Reply
by jared on February 14, 2009	Mail this to a friend!
I 100% agree with Archie, which is what so many keepers on this board have alreay done. Jared

RE: What would you do?	Reply
by xvenomx on February 20, 2009	Mail this to a friend!
This is an excellent question,& I'll tell you why. I just happen to live in one of those states,that is looking to ban the keeping of venomous snakes. Exotic venomous, have been banned long ago. However native have been allowed with a hunting license. They are trying to pass legislature to outlaw it entirely. If they do I will have to give up my one true passion in life. Now, let me tell you about the vast majority of people in this hobby. (at least in MY state) I was inspired by a game officer to rally other venomous keepers in the state together, to lobby for a permitting system of some sort (that is a permit that actually exists). That would allow us to keep exotics, along with the natives. I was told by several of them "If we go pushing the issue we will lose the right to keep what we do now" WRONG!!!!! WE are losing the rights because YOU won't do anything. So HA! I win, & we all lose. God job everyone. (smell the sarcasm?)

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