Federal Python Ban Bill Reawakened: URGENT

[WingedWolfPsion]

For those unaware, there have been some Federal bills lying around that attempt to circumvent the normal procedures for adding species to the Lacey Act. One of them has just been 'reawakened', and anyone who wants to retain the right to freely transport boa constrictors, green anacondas, or reticulated pythons is in danger of losing that right. Boas are one of the most popular pet constrictors, and millions own them. Stymied by the need to meet the Information Quality Act if impacts exceed 10 million dollars, the FWS added only 4 species to the Lacey Act (Burmese, yellow anaconda, and both African Rock Pythons). This bill sidesteps the entire requirement for scientific evidence or justification.

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RED ALERT: HR511 Stop Python BAN NOW!

HR 511, a bill to amend title 18, United States Code, to prohibit the importation of various injurious species of constrictor snakes; Indian python, Python molurus, including the Burmese python, Python molurus bivittatus; reticulated python, Broghammerus reticulatus; Northern African python,Python sebae; Southern African python, Python natalensis; Boa constrictor; yellow anaconda, Eunectes notaeus; DeSchauensee’s anaconda, Eunectes deschauenseei; green anaconda, Eunectes murinus; and the Beni anaconda, Eunectes beniensis, in the US House of Representatives, was introduced January 26, 2011 by Congressman Tom Rooney (R-FL) .

Congressman Rooney has taken action to move HR 511! This bill seeks to add 9 constricting snakes to the Injurious Wildlife List of the Lacey Act. HR 511 has been scheduled for a Markup Hearing before the US House Judiciary Committee on Tuesday February 28, 2012 at 10:00 AM EST.

Markups for the 112th Congress (http://judiciary.house.gov/hearings/markups112.html)

>>There is very little time to voice opposition to this bill that could devistate the Reptile Community. Please participate in the USARK Call In Campaign TODAY!<<

PHONE CAMPAIGN:

Talking Points:



Will destroy thousands of jobs and small family businesses; $104 million annual economic impact.
Criminalize the actions of over 1 million American Citizens; Lacey Act felons.
Federal action to address a localized problem in South Florida is unnecessary; the State of Florida and US Fish & Wildlife have already taken draconian measures.
Underlying science has been criticized by scientists from around the world.
Creates a massive animal welfare problem, potentially displacing millions of animals.


Key Members of House Judiciary Committee:

Lamar Smith (R-TX)- 202-225-4236 (tel:202-225-4236)
Sensenbrenner (R-WI)- 202-225-5101 (tel:202-225-5101)
Coble (R-NC)- 202-225-3065 (tel:202-225-3065)
Issa (R-CA)- 202-225-3906 (tel:202-225-3906)
Gohmert (R-TX)- 202-225-3035 (tel:202-225-3035)
Chaffetz (R-UT)- 202-225-7751 (tel:202-225-7751)
Gowdy (R-SC)- 202-225-6030 (tel:202-225-6030)
Poe (R-TX)- 202-225-6565 (tel:202-225-6565)
Goodlatte (R-VA)- 202-225-5431 (tel:202-225-5431)

DO IT NOW!!!

[guidofatherof5]

Thanks for the update.

[PINJOHN]

I have just been reading about this ban in Aprils issue of the practical reptile keeper which gives it about a third of a page and covers the facts given by yourself and makes the point about Florida's balmy climate not being available to the snakes in the rest of the country..the sledgehammer to crack a nut scenario....the magazine promises an in depth feature in the next issue [May] covering evidence for the ban and any reactions ...of course us Europeans can not tell your government what or what not to do but no matter where you live this kind of stuff is scary.

[WingedWolfPsion]

The bill was passed to the House, and will be up for a vote--please contact your representatives now. Those who own any reptile, or support pet ownership, this means you. This bill will affect all owners of reptiles, but particularly (of course) those who own boa constrictors of ALL subspecies. (red-tail boas, etc), reticulated pythons, and green anacondas. Boas are one of the most popular constrictor species in the pet trade, and there are millions of them being kept all across the country.

If this bill passes, and you own a boa, you will be guilty of a felony if you take your animal with you when you move to a different State.

[SnakesInCoconuts]

Just a question, why is it that they're trying to ban exotic reptiles?

[Didymus20X6]

Just a question, why is it that they're trying to ban exotic reptiles?
Because the government is trying to do what governments do best: interfere with people's lives.

The political justification is that invasive python species are doing ecological damage to the Florida Everglades. Although the bulk of the evidence indicates that the pythons in question were zoo escapees, and thus have nothing to do with the pet trade at all.

[Stefan-A]

Just a question, why is it that they're trying to ban exotic reptiles?
Because people demand it and it's the job of a politician to listen to the ones that can benefit him the most. That's how the system is set up.

Governments interfere in people's lives, because other people demand it. The only way to get it your way, is to be bigger, louder and richer than the other group. Two out of three will usually be enough and depending on your usefulness to the politicians that make up the government, even one of those properties might be enough. Exotics keepers aren't many, loud or rich, so they're usually on the receiving end of the *******ing.

[stevenrudge]

Very well written open and to the point with a list of your politicians to contact for direct action,not like we have in England where we have self appointed bull-shitters who are on a paid salary (fighting)behind the seens for our hobby? scaremongering the gullible on government white papers that are going no where,and always asking for donations for the fight!not thats its their interest of course with the donations not being used for their own salary

[mikem]

USARK Legal Action Against FWS Constrictor Rule | USARK (http://usark.org/action-alert/usark-legal-action-against-fws-constrictor-rule/)

I hope they can get enough donations.