Boa constrictor ban to be announced Friday?

[DuxorW]

In one of my routine news searches for reptile bans, a Miami Herald article popped up saying that boa constrictors will indeed be added to the Lacey act and the ban on importation and interstate travel will be enacted a month from now. I really hope this is bad intel.....

http://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/article12723206.html

 

[DuxorW]

Even though there will be an announcement, I'm not finding any other articles that say boas are being added, so not sure where this one got its info...

 

[insomniac101]

Yeah, I hope it's not a done deal. As the statement says . . .

"On Friday, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Director Dan Ashe is expected to announce a decision on whether to restrict the import and sale of the popular boa constrictor and four other large exotic constrictor snakes."

. . . the decision as to whether or not to ban, will be announced today.

I guess we'll find out soon enough.

Kathy

 

[DuxorW]

They edited the article. The original version asserted that the boa constrictor was being added, so that change is reassuring. Hopefully they aren't being added but I think the venue they are announcing the decision at is foreboding.

 

[DuxorW]

Boas are safe (for now). Unfortunately retics and 3 anaconda species were added.

 

[Nanci]

Well, we knew those were coming. I think they were on originally, but then removed.

 

[Nanci]

This whole thing makes me feel like, we can't fight the government. So much effort and money has gone into this- all for nothing.

 

[DuxorW]

Exactly. They're going to continue to chip away one species at a time through whatever means necessary. The USFWS failed to act like a science-based program and allowed other interest groups like the Humane Society pressure them.

But I did have a little hope that retics would be spared for the same reason boas were. Heartbreaking to see people like Jay have to deal with this, he's nothing if not passionate.

 

[HVani]

I am relieved boas were spared. At least they somewhat listened. But who knows how long that is for. I truly feel for rectic owners. It's a sad day.

 

[DuxorW]

Who knows what will be next. Carpet pythons? Rainbow boas?

 

[HVani]

I fear for Ball pythons.
Someone mentions they believed large lizards will be targetted next, mainly monitors and tegus. Which is sad. In the right hands they make wonderful pets.

 

[DuxorW]

I think with royals people would be rioting in the street. I wish everyone would act as if royals and corns were just banned.

 

[spyderk]

I think with royals people would be rioting in the street. I wish everyone would act as if royals and corns were just banned.

Back when I had just corn snakes, I'll admit that when I heard of things like bans for bigger snakes, it didn't concern me a whole lot. I did change my mind though, and this before adding 3 boas to my collection. Now, I am very saddened by the direction this seems to be heading in, but our family will do what we can to educate others about this issue.

 

[DuxorW]

I feel the same. I used to think people didn't have any business owning retics, burms, and anacondas, until I learned more.

 

[insomniac101]

Our opposition won't stop. HSUS doesn't want anyone outside of zoos to keep reptiles. Period. They are not interested in hearing why we love these fascinating creatures. It's so frustrating; I don't know how many emails and letters I've sent, and petitions I've signed. According to HSUS and PETA, we're all just of bunch of irresponsible weirdos who let our snakes loose in the everglades when we get tired of them.

It will be interesting to see how this progresses. I've got 3 boas on the way when the weather gets warmer. I shudder to think that it may have been illegal to receive them after April 1st.

Kathy