Dana C
Member
- Messages
- 633
The F&W people are attempting to steam roll this into effect. It is not just about pythons but could include all exotics. I will allow them to add ANY exotic, including reptiles to the "ban" list without due process.
The information can be found at usherp.org.
If you value your reptiles and want to be a responsible owner / collector / enthusiast, this is a must read and action on your part.
Below is my responsive as sent to the F & W Service:
To enact a law or provision of an existing law that makes it illegal to own or import one species or another is tantamount to a unlawful “taking”. While no property has been yet seized, the law takes the ability for lawful, responsible collectors and hobbyists from doing what they love. To color species of reptiles as dangerous and invasive does nothing to eliminate the problem experienced in Florida with pythons. In fact, the hysteria is the result of bad science and does not reflect the true picture of the source of the python invasion.
Yet, the “Exclusion” will see to punish all for the results of a hurricane and irresponsible owners whose numbers are extremely small in comparison to devoted, responsible and knowledgeable owners or reptiles and other exotics.
Even mammals like certain cats, which are or will go on the list and bar their import and or ownership, like Serval’s for instance is based upon fears of their reproducing and decimating populations other species. In that regard, anyone can own a bobcat but somehow that is not ok in many states where they are indigenous. That is another hysteria that is not based upon good science or zoology. California’s ban on ferrets is another example. After hundreds of years of domesticity, they are incapable of survival outside of the family home where they are loved and cared for.
Asking one or two zoologists to testify before a committee or to render an opinion which upholds bad science because their stand is in line with someone wants them to say is like bringing a witness to a trial that leaves out valuable facts in his or her testimony which may sway jurors one way or another.
Let us encourage and enforce responsible ownership. Let us make purchasing and owing exotics subject to some sort of reasonable qualifications. Charge reasonable license fees if you must. Punish sellers that don’t screen animal purchasers.
Don’t make it impossible to a quire and own and care for an exotic responsibly.
The information can be found at usherp.org.
If you value your reptiles and want to be a responsible owner / collector / enthusiast, this is a must read and action on your part.
Below is my responsive as sent to the F & W Service:
To enact a law or provision of an existing law that makes it illegal to own or import one species or another is tantamount to a unlawful “taking”. While no property has been yet seized, the law takes the ability for lawful, responsible collectors and hobbyists from doing what they love. To color species of reptiles as dangerous and invasive does nothing to eliminate the problem experienced in Florida with pythons. In fact, the hysteria is the result of bad science and does not reflect the true picture of the source of the python invasion.
Yet, the “Exclusion” will see to punish all for the results of a hurricane and irresponsible owners whose numbers are extremely small in comparison to devoted, responsible and knowledgeable owners or reptiles and other exotics.
Even mammals like certain cats, which are or will go on the list and bar their import and or ownership, like Serval’s for instance is based upon fears of their reproducing and decimating populations other species. In that regard, anyone can own a bobcat but somehow that is not ok in many states where they are indigenous. That is another hysteria that is not based upon good science or zoology. California’s ban on ferrets is another example. After hundreds of years of domesticity, they are incapable of survival outside of the family home where they are loved and cared for.
Asking one or two zoologists to testify before a committee or to render an opinion which upholds bad science because their stand is in line with someone wants them to say is like bringing a witness to a trial that leaves out valuable facts in his or her testimony which may sway jurors one way or another.
Let us encourage and enforce responsible ownership. Let us make purchasing and owing exotics subject to some sort of reasonable qualifications. Charge reasonable license fees if you must. Punish sellers that don’t screen animal purchasers.
Don’t make it impossible to a quire and own and care for an exotic responsibly.
