Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Frustrations AGAIN

It comes back to this...

Now, it seems like every state and their mother want to introduce legislation on reptiles.

Now, don't get me wrong. I understand where the fear comes from, and I know that there are irresponsible pet owners out there (of all kinds of pets) that ruin it for all of us.

It just seems to me that they are coming out in DROVES now.

It's very frustrating.

Illinois and Virgina have both initiated new Acts:

Illinois:

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/97/SB/09700SB3264.htm

New Act

720 ILCS 585/Act rep.

Creates the Dangerous Animals Act of 2012. Identifies a class of animals that qualify as dangerous animals. Provides that a person must hold a Dangerous Animal Permit or a Limited Entry Permit to possess a dangerous animal in the State. Sets forth requirements that must be met before the Department of Natural Resources may issue a Dangerous Animal Permit or a Limited Entry Permit. Provides for the suspension of permit privileges and the revocation of permits. Requires certain records to be kept by the possessors of a dangerous animal. Sets forth additional prohibitions related to the keeping and transport of dangerous animals. Sets forth penalties for violations of this Act. Sets forth provisions related to civil liability and immunity. Provides for the seizure and forfeiture of dangerous animals and equipment under certain circumstances. Creates the Dangerous Animal Advisory Committee to review periodically the list of dangerous animals. Exempts certain individuals and institutions from the requirements of the Act. Repeals the Illinois Dangerous Animal Act.

Virginia:


http://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?121+ful+HB1242


Conditions on the Ownership of Dangerous Wild Animals.
 
§ 29.1-578. Possession, sale, transfer, and breeding of certain animals.
It is unlawful for any person to possess, sell, transfer, or breed any of the following animals:
1. Order Carnivora:
a. Family Canidae: all species and hybrids of the genera Canis (wolves and related species), Cuon (dholes), Lycaon (African wild dogs), and Chrysocyon (maned wolves); excluding Canis lupus familiaris (domestic dogs) and Canis lupus familiaris hybrids.
b. Family Felidae: all species and hybrids of the family Felidae (all felids); excluding Felis catus (domestic cats) and Felis catus hybrids.
c. Family Ursidae: all species and hybrids of bears.
d. Family Hyaenidae: all species of hyena and aardwolf.
2. Order Crocodilia: all species of alligators, crocodiles, caimans, and gharials.
3. Order Primates: all species and hybrids of apes, galagos, lemurs, lorises, and monkeys, excluding humans.
4. Order Proboscidea: all species of elephants.
5. Order Squamata:
a. Family Atractaspididae: all species and hybrids, such as mole vipers.
b. Family Boidae, to include all species that may be described as family Pythonidae: all species and hybrids of the genera Apodora (pythons), Eunectes (anacondas), Liasis (pythons), Morelia (pythons), and Python (pythons); excluding Morelia viridis (green tree pythons), Python anchietae (Angolan pythons), and Python regius (ball or royal pythons).
c. Family Colubridae: all species and hybrids of the genera Dispholidus (boomslangs), Rhabdophis (keelbacks), and Thelotornis (twig snakes).
d. Family Elapidae, to include all species that may be described as family Hydrophiidae: all species and hybrids, such as cobras, mambas, coral snakes, and sea snakes.
e. Family Viperidae: all species and hybrids, such as rattlesnakes, pit vipers, and puff adders.


Yes, I know, I don't live in these states, and you may not either, but there is so much happening, who knows when it will come to your state?


Please take the time to write your congressman, support USARK and other Agencies to protect your rights as knowledgeable informed pet owners.

If you can, go to the NARBC Tinley show and be a part of the "Reptile Owners Rights Summit". Do what you can to keep your critters.

You can do your part. If you don't, who will?

Have a great day, my friends.

5 comments:

sgath92 said...

Its not just IL & VA but also; WV, RI, OH, and Indiana.

My theory is that this was all orchestrated by HSUS & friends knowing that the DOI's 4 new LACEY additions would land-lock some snake owners in their current states. Meaning if you live in RI with a burmese, by the time the RI bill is enacted as a law you'd be unable to leave the state to one with more tolerant laws without being guilty of a federal felony for violating LACEY.

Whereas before the feds got involved if a state tried something as restrictive as this; the enthusiasts and breeders COULD move to a state that isn't eager to ban snakes any time soon.

If I am right, expect many more states to follow this pattern the closer we get to the enactment of the "big 4" LACEY ban.

Unknown said...

I knew I was missing a few, but I couldn't find any specifics, so I left them out. Thanks for the input!

Anonymous said...

oh wow! i hope this isnt the start of a snowball effect. it would be horrible if some states banned bps

on a side note, how young do u breed your females? i have a bunch that are 1,200-1,300 grams and just recently went off feed, should i toss a male in? or wait til next season what are your thoughts

Unknown said...

Hi Anon,

I will touch on your questions on Tuesdays blog. Sorry for the delay!

-H

dtwja said...

Hi, Heather! I do live in Virginia, and I talked to Andy Wyatt from USARK about the pening legislation. Apparently, for Virginia, the matter is tabled until 2013. So, "kinda" good news. At least they're not after Varanus! I've wanted a b. gabonica for quite some time, but I supposed if Virginia comes after viperidae, I'd be okay with a monitor. :)