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You Have Only 1 Day To Save The Reptile Hobby !
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by Cro on September 7, 2009
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Folks, there is a rather bad situation about to happen in Florida, and it could change forever the reptile hobby you now enjoy, across the Whole USA.
And there is only 1 day left for you to do something about it. It is going to take the folks of Florida, and it is also going to take everyone here to fight this thing.
This post is going to ramble a bit, as I will be pasting stuff in, but, please try to stay with me.
You might remember the post here from Scott (Kingetula) that was titled: Reptiles of Concern and whether to ban them administratively this year.
Seems straight forward enough don't it ?
The Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) will meet September 9th, 10th and 11th. On the agenda will be Reptiles of Concern and whether to ban them administratively this year. Please don't let this happen! What happens in Florida will have repercussions across the country. We need everyone to weigh in on this and send an email to the FWC Commissioners. Even if you are not a Florida resident you can sign the letter as a potential stakeholder. The Humane Society of the United States has been mischaracterizing the issue and spreading inaccurate statistics. The Reptile Nation needs to be heard from coast to coast on this important debate.
USARK President, Andrew Wyatt will be traveling to Florida to attend the meeting. Let the FWC hear the voice of the Reptile Nation prior to his arrival. We have a very good argument to make, but it will be much more convincing if we get a big email push from the Nation. Just follow the link below to our instant email tool. It is as easy as filling in your info and pushing the submit button. Do it now!
Click here to email FWC and Gov Crist
http://usark.org/campaign.php?id=8
This is a public meeting. We urge all Florida residents and stakeholders to come to the meeting and express your concerns.
Date:
September 9-11, 2009
Place:
Mission Inn
10400 County Road 48
Howey-in-the-Hills, FL 34737
Phone: (352) 324-3101
Fax: (352) 324-2636
Website: http://www.missioninnresort.com/
OK, so far, so good. If you follow the link, you can post your concern about the (ROC)Reptiles of Concern.
And Right now, those are the following animals:
* Indian or Burmese python (Python molurus)
* Reticulated python (Python reticulatus)
* African rock python (Python sebae)
* Amethystine or Scrub python (Morelia amethystinus)
* Green anaconda (Eunectes murinus)
* Nile monitor (Varanus niloticus)
So, if you care about any of those big constrictors, this is your chance to do something about it. And, this has nothing to do with the Federal Bills that are still pending that you fought against not long ago.
However, here is where things are going to change a bit, and this is much more important !
At the same meeting, they will be discussing and voting on two other Proposed Bills. And one of those Bills is the one you need to be concerned about. It is far more dangerous than the Reptiles of Concern thing, and it will not only effect Exotic Reptiles, but it will also effect All Other Exotic Animals.
First off, here is the Proposed Bill:
Sen. Constantine, Rep. Poppell and Rep. Soto Proposed Legislation
Requires anyone who sells wild animals to get a license no matter where the business
resides, including out of state.
Enhances the Commission’s ability to deal with any exotic or non-native species by
making it unlawful to import wild animal life into Florida for sale, personal use, or release
into the wild unless specifically authorized by the Commission.
Changes/increases criminal penalties.
Creates administrative fines assessed by FWC.
Eliminates the requirement for the Commission to conduct studies to determine any
detrimental ecological effects prior to issuing or denying a permit.
As written, that Bill, if passed would STOP THE IMPORT OF ALL EXOTIC AND NON NATIVE REPTILES INTO FLORIDA, as well as ALL OTHER WILDLIFE, unless you had specific authorization from FWC. Do you folks think they will readily be handing out those authorizations ?
This would shut down ALL OF THE IMPORTERS, like Glades and a few dozen others that are in Florida. It would also require importers in other states to have Florida Liscenses, because, guess what ? Florida is the Port of Entry for Wildlife into this country. So, if you live in Texas, and want to import reptiles, and if they come into this country through Miami, well, you are going to need a Florida Liscense.
Lets think about this for a second. If the importers are shut down, and NO new animals are coming in from other countries, that means that everything sold reptile wise in this country would have to be captive bred from animals that are already here. Does anyone here think that might put a dent in the future of reptile shows ?
OH, by the way, the game and fish folks have recommended that the Commissioners pass the the Sen. Constantine/Rep. Poppell/Rep. Soto legislation described above.
And they propose to Work with the reptile industry to document the economic value of this industry so the
Commission can continue to regulate/limit import and export of ROCs, and any other non-native species that could be injurious to the State.
Which means if you want to keep your animals, they you need to be able to show the "Economic Value" to them. Like show them how many jobs you raising reptiles creates for the economy, etc.
They also want to ad this:
Establish a process to do risk assessments. Based on these assessments, add individual species as appropriate to regulated categories in Commission rule.
That means that the next time some nitwhit lets his pet green mamba get loose, the can determine that mambas are dangerous, and should be banned. They will just ad it to the list.
They also state:
Initiate rulemaking to complement proposed legislative strategies.
What that means, is that they will go along with any of the pending Federal Laws, if those are passed.
The Second Proposed Bill that they have also snuck into the Reptiles of Concern thing is this:
Senator Sobel Proposed Legislation
This bill would eliminate the personal use of ROCs over time by stopping trade in ROC. The bill
would grandfather in current pet owners.
That one will probably not pass this time around, because USARK is all about you python folks keeping your big constrictors. However, it does show the intent of these folks. They eventually want you to not be able to own these snakes.
How far behind do you think a similar bill against Venomous Snakes is ?
So, now you have the names of the Senators in the State of Florida who want to do away with your hobby.
Most likely, they have gotten huge contributions from the Humane Society US and PETA, both which are radical animal rights nutcase groups.
And here are the names of your Florida Commissioners who will be voting on all of this Wednesday morning:
http://myfwc.com/ABOUT/About_commissioners.htm
Those folks hold your future as reptile keepers in their hands.
The meeting is open to the public.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will meet at the Mission Inn in Howey-in-the-Hills Sept. 9-11. The meeting is open to the public at 10400 County Road 48. It will convene at 8:30 a.m. all three days.
The only date you need to worry about it this coming Wednesday, September 9. That is when they will be talking about the Reptiles of Concern thing, and Allowing All Hunters to shoot Burmese pythons, and, most important, what they so sneakily call:
"reviewing proposed legislation from Sen. Lee Constantine and others to enhance the FWC's efforts to regulate captive wildlife in Florida."
That is the BIG ONE. That one is not on USARK's, or REXANO's radar screen as far as I have seen. USARK only mentions ROC, and says nothing about this proposed Bill on their website.
This Bill is the one that could eliminate the importers, which, in turn, will mostly eliminate the reptile hobby. It is sneaky, and is sort of like a end run play.
So, if you care, you might want to attend that meeting. And you might want to contact the folks on the Commission who will be voting on this stuff.
If you do, Please be polite to the folks, and articulate, and mostly make a effort to show them how passing that Bill will hurt your business. If you go in there angry, you will just hurt the cause.
So folks, thanks for listening.
This is just how I see things as they have been proposed, and reading the summery of the legislation.
I could be totally wrong about all of this, and I encourage all of you to do your own research.
I am sure some folks will disagree with me on the seriousness of this anyway. Most likely the folks who are only concerned about the big pythons. But time is short. Do with it what you will.
Something similar totally changed reptile collecting in Texas a few years back. That was snuck in with a similar Bill. And it caught the Texas reptile folks off guard.
The exact wording of that Proposed Legislation will probably not be available until Wednesday, at the actual meeting. That is another sneaky way those folks like to use to get things passed without much notice.
I think there is much more to this than a simple Reptiles of Concern Bill. If they shut down importers, they will shut down this hobby. Sure, there will still be captive bred stuff, however, the ability to import animals has a lot to do with keeping the hobby going.
What happens in Florida has a direct effect on the rest of the country.
Best Regards
John Z
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RE: You Have Only 1 Day To Save The Reptile Hobby
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by Kingetula on September 7, 2009
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Thank you John and very well said.
People really need to sit back and think hard tonight what this means if these bills are passed. Will prices for Venomous snakes skyrocket? Will you or Zoo's be able to afford these snakes? Will our kids get to enjoy them at Zoo's? How much will Antivenin cost(if bit) and can zoo's or insurances companies be able to afford it. Can zoo's really afford to buy Venomoid snakes in this case? I'm probably hitting worse case scenario's but...
Each "Xtreme" hobby has injuries and deaths (Just ask Dick Cheney). Ours however appears to be on the chopping block. The wording as John pointed out is sneaky, just like that Patriot Act! I'm surprised that importing snakes isn't some how funding terrorism. (I'm kidding of course, or am I)
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RE: You Have Only 1 Day To Save The Reptile Hobby
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by atwageman on September 7, 2009
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People John is 100% right about this. Even if you don't live in FL you need to get off of your arses and contact those politicians in FL and state your case on how this will effect those in FL, but how it will effect those living in other states.
If they want to allow hunters to go out and wholesale kill pythons in the everglades, I'm all for that. But the rest of this proposed legislation has to be stopped. Matter of fact I'm for the wholesale elimination of the irresponsable keepers that have helped lead us down this road..............
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RE: You Have Only 1 Day To Save The Reptile Hobby
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by tigers9 on September 8, 2009
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http://myfwc.org/NEWSROOM/09/statewide/News_09_X_Python5.htm
FWC works with legislators to solve Burmese python problem
News Release
(Click on photo for larger image.)
(L-R) Rep. Darren Soto, Sen. Lee Constantine, herpetologist Shawn Heflick (holding 14-foot Burmese python), FWC Commissioner Kenneth Wright and Rep. Ralph Poppell address Orlando-area news media regarding reptiles of concern and proposed legislation at a news conference in Altamonte Springs.
(FWC photo by Joy M. Hill)
FWC Commissioner Kenneth Wright speaks about Burmese pythons and other reptiles of concern in Florida. Also participating in the news conference were (L-R) state representatives Darren Soto and Ralph Poppell, herpetologist Shawn Heflick and State Sen. Lee Constantine.
(FWC photo by Joy M. Hill)
State Sen. Lee Constantine (right) and herpetologist Shawn Heflick hold a 14-foot Burmese python during a news conference in Altamonte Springs Tuesday.
(FWC photo by Joy M. Hill)
FWC works with legislators to solve Burmese python problem
September 8, 2009
Contact: Patricia Behnke, 850-251-2130;
or Joy Hill, 352-732-1225 or 352-258-3426
More on Burmese Python Removal Program
Kenneth Wright, a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) commissioner, hosted a news conference with several state legislators on Tuesday to heighten awareness of the exotic reptile situation in Florida.
"We are working with our legislators who are concerned about the threat of Burmese pythons and other reptiles of concern and their ability to threaten our native species," said Wright. "The interest of Sen. Lee Constantine (R-Altamonte Springs), Rep. Darren Soto (D-Orlando) and Rep. Ralph Poppell (R-Titusville) in this problem will help the FWC and its partners do their job effectively."
Wright encouraged residents who have an interest in this issue to attend the FWC's public meeting in Howey-in-the-Hills on Wednesday, when FWC staff will present information on options for dealing with these nonnative species.
Wright invited several state lawmakers who have expressed interest in legislation on the issue to participate in Tuesday's news conference. Constantine is chairman of the Senate Environmental Preservation and Conservation Committee and has been working with FWC staff in drafting legislation that requires anyone selling wildlife in Florida to be licensed, even if they're from another state. In addition, his proposed legislation restricts ownership, sales, importation and release of Burmese pythons and other exotic species unless authorized by the FWC, and provides for increased criminal and civil penalties for violators.
Poppell was the sponsor of 2007 legislation that requires a $100 annual license for anyone possessing reptiles of concern. He continues to work with the Commission on these issues.
"The FWC can pass rules to regulate the sale and trade of reptiles of concern, but we depend on the Legislature to increase penalties, fines and fees to help enforce the rules approved by the Commission," Wright said.
Burmese pythons, a nonnative species, have spread throughout South Florida, creating a threat to the environment. Pythons and other reptiles of concern kept as pets also pose a threat to humans, if not handled properly. The release of Burmese pythons by pet owners who no longer want the reptiles has caused further threats to Florida's native wildlife. Burmese pythons have been living and reproducing in the Everglades and other parts of South Florida for more than a decade. The FWC has instituted several programs for the capture of pythons in the wild to help stop the northward spread of this invasive species. The agency continues to work on solutions to prevent further impacts on Florida's native fish and wildlife.
In addition, the FWC began hosting Pet Amnesty Days in 2006. During these events, folks who can no longer keep nonnatives as pets may turn them in to the FWC for placement. The next event will be for reptiles of concern only at Gatorland in Orlando on Oct. 3.
The Commission meeting will be at the Mission Inn in Howey-in-the-Hills, Sept. 9-11, beginning at 8:30 a.m. each day. The presentation on Burmese pythons and other reptiles of concern is scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 9. For more information on Burmese pythons, visit MyFWC.com and click on "Burmese pythons" under Quick Clicks.
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RE: You Have Only 1 Day To Save The Reptile Hobby
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by tigers9 on September 8, 2009
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Here is my blast from the past 2 years ago, NOT many listened to me, might be too late now. I was warning all of exotic owners:
http://www.rexano.org//NewsArchivePages/FLUnite2007.pdf
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RE: You Have Only 1 Day To Save The Reptile Hobby
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by tigers9 on September 9, 2009
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This is the problem with any bans or bad intrusive legislation, animal or non animal related.
Good responsible people don’t need any regs, good people, do the right thing in the absence of any laws.
Bad people ignore any bans or bad laws, while good people obey, so eventually you end up with only bad illegal owners if bans are the final solution.
Also with hot snakes, it is usually (other that weird green mamba case) the owner/keeper that gets injured/ killed, not public, so how will caging requirements change that if the owner himself is not banned form being hands on with his own animals/property?
Same for big cats, majority of victims are owners/trainers, NOT public ; no caging regulation will prevent me from going In the cage with my cats.
Majority (all) of big cat fatalities occur IN the cage or on the property where the cat has a business to be at ,NOT escaped cat away from the owners’ property, just like majority of fatal hot bites occur in the owner house/store/zoo or church, NOT on the street on your way to post office.
Seriously, how do u make illegal activity more illegal if you don’t know where it is occurred UNTIL somebody gets hurt, when it is too late to stop bad media anyway.
Z
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