S373: What you need to know and what you need to do

Well, I got an e-mail from my friend Cordale, and I wanted to address it publically.

I understand there is some confusion as to what is what regarding S373 and what we should be concerned about.

Here is the basic info about S373:

http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=s111-373
http://www.opencongress.org/bill/111-s373/show
http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills/show/111_SN_373.html

"Introduced by U.S. Senator Bill Nelson (D-Florida), Senate Bill S. 373 would add “constrictor snake of the species Python genera” to the Lacey Act, which prohibits the importation and interstate trade of species determined to be injurious to people, agriculture, horticulture, forestry or wildlife.

The Lacey Act also requires importers or consignees to “promptly” export or destroy any prohibited animals or eggs at their own expense.

Nelson cited concerns about the environmental impact on endangered species a feral population of Burmese pythons was causing in the Everglades region of south Florida, noting “If we do not take action now, we will let python populations in Florida continue to grow and further ravage the already-fragile Everglades, as well as rick letting them spread throughout the Southern portion of the United States.”

Nelson acknowledged that Florida in 2008 had implemented a “reptiles of concern” program that required owners of pythons and other snakes to obtain permits for their animals and implant tracking microchips into larger pythons. However, he felt additional efforts were necessary."

This is an excellent link that has a great overview as to what has happened and is happening regarding S373:

http://www.pijac.org/governmentaffairs/s373forum.asp

S. 373 was amended in the Senate Committee on Environment & Public Works on December 10, 2009. The Cardin (D-MD) amendment would include only the nine constrictor species proposed by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service:

Burmese python, northern African python, southern African python, reticulated python, green anaconda, yellow anaconda, Beni or Bolivian anaconda, DeSchauensee's anaconda and Boa constrictor.

People will not be able to import, export, transport or sell these species over state lines. This may not seem like much now, but it is a huge problem for those breeders that have put in their time and energy into cultivating such lovely creatures.

This link: http://www.kill-s373.com/ is a great resource as to what you can do to stop S373.

This link is also a good resource as to what you can do to help as well.
http://www.natpet.org/index.php/legislation/federal-legislation/154-python-ban-fact-sheet

A few more:

http://saveoursnakes.org/
http://www.rexano.org/
USARK Boards
Click this to do something about S373 with the National Pet Association

And here is a video made by my friend Brian at BHB.



So overall, please be aware that although Ball Pythons are not affected, it is still important to pay attention and fight!!! It may not be now, but they could go after Ball Pythons next. Fight for your rights now!

Hope this answers any questions you may have about the Bill.. It's time to act NOW.

Don't put this to the way side. Its much too important to procrastinate about. Take ACTION!