|
1-10 of 19 messages
|
Page 1 of 2
Next
|
|
18 months of work... it's finally finished!
|
Reply
|
|
by CanadianSnakeMan on April 11, 2011
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
As some of you may know, I've been spending an exhaustive amount of my spare time (of which I have little) in compiling a research paper to fight the AR agenda and the general ignorance to people's rights to keep reptiles (and other exotics) that prevails in my area.
It was originally conceived because the township where I reside bans the keeping of all reptiles along with most other exotics. It started out as a 2 page letter that I was writing to my township and balooned into what it is today.
Well... It's finished (almost)!
The report is from a Canadian legislative perspective but it cites various statistics from the US and around the world.
I would like to have it published somewhere (should it be considered worthy of such an honour) but I haven't had it proof read or edited by anyone. Nor has anyone qualified given me any constructive criticism as to its contents.
I would REALLY appreciate it if some of the more senior members on this site would read it over and honestly let me know what they think. Keep in mind that I know I still need to put some finishing touches (like organizing it into columns, adding photos etc) on it to make it look 'pretty', as well I am in the process of changing my reference system from MLA to APA so it's a bit disorganized at the moment.
With any luck, this will give some comprehensive ammunition to anyone who wants to fight un necessary bans or prohibitions in their area.
I am sure there are more than a few AR trolls on this site, so I will not send it to just anyone I don't know or recognize who wants to read it (please don't take offence if I decline to send it to you). There are a few people on this site that I've been corresponding with for quite some time who I know are professional and qualified individuals.
If anyone has the time or patience to do this for me I would be eternally greatful, and you may be doing the reptile (and exotics) keeping community a favour.
Thanks all,
Luke
Thanks!
|
| |
|
RE: 18 months of work... it's finally finished!
|
Reply
|
|
by theemojohnm on April 11, 2011
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Luke, if you would like to send me a copy via email, I would be more than happy to look over it.
I have compiled numerous reports of this very sort, as our (The P.W.H.S.) official representation, in several incidents regarding proposed regulations in Pennsylvania and surrounding states. Being an organization that promotes both the conservation of our natural resources, as well as responsible propagation, scientific study, and representation of, the private sector; I have a bit of experience in working with local wildlife agencies on proposed and existing legislation, here in PA, and several surrounding states and jurisdictions.
We try to work WITH the State Legislature, Game Commission, and other wildlife agencies, to have all parties equally represented, as soon as legislation is changed or enacted. So far, things have been running smoothly, and we can usually meet and find some common ground, that benefits both sectors, before the bills are voted on. This requires a P.W.H.S. 'Case Report', in which we represent, and outline the interest of both the zoological and private sector(s) on the issues.
Our case reports, are probably very similar to what you have compiled, and my Community Relations team are some of the best in the private sector. If you'd like, I am certainly willing to give it a look over, and maybe run it by our Community Relations Director, and case report editor, Cathy Hall.
I could also certainly help to get it formatted, converted to PDF format, and perhaps published on the P.W.H.S. site, once you have made all of your revisions. Obviously, we are a state-based herpetological society, but we do frequently work with other states and jurisdictions, on projects of common interest, which this certainly seems to be. If nothing more, it would be a starting point. A 'foot-in-the-door', so to speak, as well as some support from our organization, as well as our partners.
I understand, that this is a very important issue to you, and can certainly understand you being selective in who you allow access to it.
If you would like a second opinion, or maybe some direction in presenting it, I'm fairly sure my team could be of some assistance. I am all for supporting this common cause. Bear in mind, that I am not quite as familiar with Canadian law as I am with it here in the states, but I'm sure we could help out with most of what you need.
If you want, you can send a copy to me at JohnMendrola@yahoo.com, and I'll have a look at it, over the week, and could probably get a few opinions from our team.
Either way, I wish you the best of luck! Sure hope that things work out for you, and that you can setup something that will represent both parties sufficiently.
Take Care,
-John Mendrola
|
| |
|
RE: 18 months of work... it's finally finished!
|
Reply
|
|
by CanadianSnakeMan on April 12, 2011
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Thanks so much John,
I'm sending it to you now.
As you will see, the report is based upon the principle that if reptiles were to be banned for public health and safety concerns, then dogs, cats, livestock etc should also be banned (which I think would be a stretch to achieve, even for the most optimistic AR people).
I have laid out a comprehensive comparison of the risks of exotics versus traditional pets, as well as benefits for each.
If you could help me get it into PDF format that would be amazing! I don't have the capabilities to do that myself right now and from what I hear, the program is quite costly.
Thanks again!
|
| |
|
RE: 18 months of work... it's finally finished!
|
Reply
|
|
by Chance on April 12, 2011
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
|
Might I suggest an approach that focuses on the positive benefits of the captive maintenance and propagation of reptiles? Not that there is anything necessarily wrong with your approach, especially since I haven't read your paper, but making an argument equivalent to "Well, we know they can be dangerous, but these other things are too!" you're not likely to garner much respect.
|
| |
|
RE: 18 months of work... it's finally finished!
|
Reply
|
|
by CanadianSnakeMan on April 12, 2011
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Chance,
I have included various peer reviewed reports of the benefits of owning reptiles and in fact, it makes up one part of the 4 part paper.
I do see your point though, and I realize that it's important to review the positives rather than focusing on the negatives.
When dealing with these people, I'm trying to cut through the ignorance and pathalogical fear common to most who disagree with private ownership of exotics. If I can impress the point that people are statistically safer with reptiles (non-venomous that is) than they are with dogs or cats, then hopefully they'll start to realize their errors in banning them in the first place.
I also have a section discussing the legislative framework in the US and the UK regarding the ownership of venomous snakes and dangerous exotics. If people can see that these models work better than outright bans then hopefully they'll come around.
|
| |
|
RE: 18 months of work... it's finally finished!
|
Reply
|
|
by Chance on April 12, 2011
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
|
Your paper sounds very interesting and if you were amenable to it, I would be interested in reading it. I do completely understand your point and am glad to hear that a good portion of the paper is about the benefits of keeping these animals. I certainly wish you the best with your efforts. I can only imagine that's a tough road to travel.
|
| |
|
RE: 18 months of work... it's finally finished!
|
Reply
|
|
by theemojohnm on April 12, 2011
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
After briefly scanning through Luke's paper this morning, I can say that all angles are adequately covered. And, it's arranged in a very straight-forward presentation, in a way that appeals to most legislature. Plenty of figures, and verifiable statistical data.
The one thing that I notice seems to have a big impact, in the introductory sections of these kinds of reports, is perspective. After reading the first intro paragraph, the legislature will already have an opinion, that will influence how they view the rest of the data presented in the report. You have to introduce the paper, from a somewhat "neutral" viewpoint, and Luke has definitely done a great job of that, with this paper.
From what I've read so far, I think it is very balanced, unbiased, and reader-friendly. Seems to address all the issues completely and independently, which is important.
I won’t discuss anything in detail, on an open forum, so I'll be in contact with you via email, Luke. I plan to read through it more in depth, tonight.
Sometime this week, I'll have Cathy give it a read, and can send you back a copy with anything that I feel is noteworthy, highlighted. We can toss copies back and forth, until you're satisfied. And, once you have all of your revisions made, and can format your references the way you want them, we can add some copyright footers, and publish to PDF.
I myself don't use Word, and instead use Microsoft Works. I can open Word files in Works, but sometimes the format is a tad bit distorted when sending back and forth, and opening with different word processors. My PDF converter, is a ‘plug-in’ for my word processor, and works great for preserving formatting. I actually like it more than the Adobe, name-brand versions.
Will be in touch..
Luke deserves a big round of applause from the private sector of reptiles keepers. This is a very comprehensive, and balanced paper, and I know that a lot of work went into it. Thankfully, when we have to compile these types of reports, I have a very efficient team working with me.
Sometimes things don't happen right away, but often all it takes is one step in the right direction to get things rolling. So far, so good!
Take Care,
-John Mendrola
|
| |
|
RE: 18 months of work... it's finally finished!
|
Reply
|
|
by Buzztail1 on April 13, 2011
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Luke,
I, as usual, have a lot on my plate but if you would consider sending it to me, I would love to read it over and try to get you some useful feedback.
My email is:
buzztail1@hotmail.com
Thanks.
R/
Karl H. Betz
|
| |
|
RE: 18 months of work... it's finally finished!
|
Reply
|
|
by yoyoing on April 13, 2011
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
|
I would like a copy. You are looking for peer review and I do not qualify in the venomous reptile department. I have been published in medical journals and maybe could provide some insight from a journalistic perspective.
|
| |
|
Email Subscription
You are not subscribed to this topic.
Subscribe!
My Subscriptions
Subscriptions Help
Check our help page for help using
, or send questions, comments, or suggestions to the
Manager.
|
