With everything going on, Reptiles under Fire again!

With everything going on in terms of the lack of real action going on in my own snake room, I have to say, I am somewhat at a loss as to what to discuss. Sometimes there are days where I just ramble on about random things, and today seems to be one of those days...

Of course, I am always looking for suggestions for blogs, so that I don't feel like I am drawing from random areas (including my rear end) for ideas about what to talk about day to day.

One topic that has come up recently is again the federal and state actions regarding reptile regulations.

In Los Angeles county alone, there was a proposed ordinance put forth to the Board of Supervisors in regards to the care of animals, including reptiles, in the county.

Here is the E-mail that USARK sent out regarding the issue:



Proposed regulatory changes in Los Angeles County could shut down or force relocation of Reptile & Tropical Fish breeders, dealers and pet stores. Although primarily aimed towards dogs and cats it will have a devestaying impact on the Reptile Nation in LA County.



If enacted the new regulations would require:


1. Cages would not be allowed to be stacked.


2. 24/7 staffing if have more than 50 animals in the facility. See proposed Section 10.40.010(Z). If less than 50 animals, you must have adequate staffing for at least 8 hours a day. If you have more than 50 fish, reptiles, birds, etc., or any combination thereof, you must staff the facility 24/7.


3. Records must be kept on each "Animal". "Animals" defined in Section 10.08.020 any animal, bird, reptile or fish.


4. Proprietary business information will be available to the public (that could mean Animal Rights groups).


5. The Department may also impose “reasonable conditions” on a breeding license for any non dog or cat breeder.


Click here to read LA County Regulatory Proposal: http://www.usark.org/uploads/LAcountyRegs.pdf


Click here to take Immediate Action to Stop LA County Regulatory Proposal: http://usark.org/campaign.php?id=14


There will be two hearings in LA this week. Please attend if you can. It is extremely important that as many members of the Reptile Nation show up as possible. This regulation could really hurt LA members of USARK. We can't let this happen! Go to these meetings!!


Child Support Services

Phillip Browning Room

5500 S. Eastern Avenue, 1st Floor

Commerce, CA 90040

March 9, 2010 -- 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.


City Council Chambers

38300 Sierra Highway

Palmdale, CA 93550

March 10, 2010 -- 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
 
 
 
 
Now, I was unable to attend these meetings, but I am aware that my collegues were able to, enough to get this from a friend in regards to an e-mail he sent to the Department of Animal Care and Control in Los Angeles County in response to his concern regarding the issue:
 
 
 
Today we met with some business owners from the County who raised similar concerns as you have. You should know that we have decided to take the current ordinance off the March 16, 2010 Board of Supervisors agenda to make sure that our well-meaning ordinance does not have any unintended negative consequences to legitimate entities within the County. One of the items we will definitely address is how the new ordinance should or should not apply to reptiles, amphibians, and other animals with unique considerations.
Thank you for your input,
Ordinance Division
Department of Animal Care & Control
County of Los Angeles



 
This is a fantastic response to something that could have been devastating to many many reptile buisnesses in the Los Angeles County. BUT, it is not over (it is NEVER over), so if you have an opportunity to go to the meeting today, I would greatly suggest that you do so:
 
City Council Chambers

38300 Sierra Highway
Palmdale, CA 93550
March 10, 2010 -- 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Yes, short notice, but hey... Better late than never.

This only applies to those in the Los Angeles County region, but to the national public that reads this, be aware that exotic pet ownership is under fire from all angles. Defend your rights to own your creatures. Speak up for the animals that cannot speak for themselves.


Have a fantastic and productive day, my friends.