Lovin2act
I gave my wife herps
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URGENT: Senate Panel approves Python ban, S373
- Thread starter Hypancistrus
- Start date
What browser are you using? Firefox? I think that if you go in through IE that it will work
Hail_Britannia
Animals > People.
Just sent this to both Jeanne Shaheen and Judd Gregg, via their websites: (with names and pronouns changed, of course)
Dear Madame Senator,
I have never written to a Senator before, but an issue before the Senate right now has motivated me to contact you, in the hope that you will be able to help put a stop to it. That issue is the bill known as S373: The Python Ban, introduced by Senator Bill Nelson of Florida. This bill, as I'm sure you are aware, was supposedly introduced by the Senator in order to address the issue of released or escaped Burmese Pythons being introduced into the ecosystem of the Florida Everglades. While I'm sure Senator Nelson has the best of intentions, in actuality this bill represents an attack upon the rights of American reptile keepers and enthusiasts such as myself. It is also a deeply flawed and ineffective bill. I'd like to take a few minutes of your time to explain my position and to suggest alternatives to S373 which would be both more effective in the long run and less prejudicial to the rights of reptile keepers.
S373 proposes to ban both the import and interstate trade of ALL species of python (even the completely harmless ones, like ball pythons), as well as other popular species of pet snakes, such as boa constrictors. The idea behind this is that if these snakes escape or are released by irresponsible owners, they could pose a serious threat to the native wildlife and ecology of this country. What the bill conveniently overlooks is the fact that nearly all of the species it covers require warm temperatures to survive. If released into an area with cold winters, such as New Hampshire, they would shortly die, and pose no threat to the environment. Why, then, is this bill being made national? Surely it should be up to each state to decide which species pose the most threat based upon its climate and act accordingly.
S373 also poses a serious threat to our national economy, at a time when we can scarce afford it. Although I do not breed snakes myself, thousands of Americans make a living keeping and breeding these species of snakes. These breeders are professionals who are very selective about the snakes they choose to breed, producing animals with rare and attractive patterns (known as “morphs”). This s not unlike the selective breeding practiced by other pet industries, such as the horse, dog, and cat industries. These morphs can sell for thousands of dollars per animal. Every year, breeders gather at reptile shows to buy and sell these animals, as well as supplies to care for them. In New Hampshire alone, there are two large reptile shows a year, held in Manchester, and breeders come from all over the country to sell their animals there. S373 would severely hamper the ability of breeders to do this, as it would make it illegal to transport their snakes across state lines. You can see how this would harm New Hampshire's economy, as well as that of the entire United States.
Senator Nelson has introduced S373 with aim of reducing the number of non-native snakes released into the wild. Ironically, his bill, if passed, may actually increase the number of released snakes. This is because it would make it illegal to transport certain species across state lines. Say a person with a large collection of snakes has to move to another state, for job or other reasons. They can no longer take their pets with them. What do they do? Normally, they might try to sell their snakes to another collector. This bill makes it much harder to do this, since they would only be able to sell to a collector in their own state, and in a smaller state like New Hampshire, there may not be anyone interested in their particular snakes. So they try to take them to an animal shelter. Most mainstream animal shelters will not accept reptiles, since they require specialized care these facilities are not equipped to provide. This person must find a reptile shelter to take their pets. Reptile shelters are few and far between, and those that do exist are often overcrowded and have no room to take on more reptiles. So what does this person do with their snakes? They may be driven to release them into the wild, as they have been left with no other option. Thus, Senator Nelson's bill is likely to cause more reptiles to be abandoned, not fewer.
I am as concerned about the environment as the next person, and I agree that feral Burmese Pythons in the Everglades pose a serious problem. Perhaps a better solution would be to limit S373 to ban the importation and interstate trade of Burmese Pythons only, as these are the snakes causing the problem. Or, perhaps a law requiring the owners of Burmese Pythons to register and microchip all of their animals would help solve the problem. That way, if a snake is released, it could be traced back to its owner, who could then be held responsible. Maybe a bill could be introduced to tighten restrictions on certain snakes only in states whose climate would allow them to survive if released or escaped. Better yet, we could leave it up to each state to regulate the snakes kept within its boundaries, and avoid making this a national issue altogether. In these ways, the problem in the Everglades might be solved without the blanket ban S373 proposes.
Senator Nelson and his adherents are playing on the fear of snakes held by many people, and are relying upon that, not on facts, to get S373 passed. While snakes may not be the best pets for everyone, when properly cared for they are very interesting, safe, and enriching animals. My boyfriend and myself have received hours of enjoyment observing, handling, and caring for our pet snake. I would hate to have that enjoyment taken away from me because S373 was passed. As a registered voter of New Hampshire who voted for you in the last election, I look to you, Senator Shaheen, to vote no on S373: The Python Ban. It's the right thing to do. Thank you so much for taking the time to read this, and have a happy holiday.
Yours sincerely,
Emily Cormier
Dear Madame Senator,
I have never written to a Senator before, but an issue before the Senate right now has motivated me to contact you, in the hope that you will be able to help put a stop to it. That issue is the bill known as S373: The Python Ban, introduced by Senator Bill Nelson of Florida. This bill, as I'm sure you are aware, was supposedly introduced by the Senator in order to address the issue of released or escaped Burmese Pythons being introduced into the ecosystem of the Florida Everglades. While I'm sure Senator Nelson has the best of intentions, in actuality this bill represents an attack upon the rights of American reptile keepers and enthusiasts such as myself. It is also a deeply flawed and ineffective bill. I'd like to take a few minutes of your time to explain my position and to suggest alternatives to S373 which would be both more effective in the long run and less prejudicial to the rights of reptile keepers.
S373 proposes to ban both the import and interstate trade of ALL species of python (even the completely harmless ones, like ball pythons), as well as other popular species of pet snakes, such as boa constrictors. The idea behind this is that if these snakes escape or are released by irresponsible owners, they could pose a serious threat to the native wildlife and ecology of this country. What the bill conveniently overlooks is the fact that nearly all of the species it covers require warm temperatures to survive. If released into an area with cold winters, such as New Hampshire, they would shortly die, and pose no threat to the environment. Why, then, is this bill being made national? Surely it should be up to each state to decide which species pose the most threat based upon its climate and act accordingly.
S373 also poses a serious threat to our national economy, at a time when we can scarce afford it. Although I do not breed snakes myself, thousands of Americans make a living keeping and breeding these species of snakes. These breeders are professionals who are very selective about the snakes they choose to breed, producing animals with rare and attractive patterns (known as “morphs”). This s not unlike the selective breeding practiced by other pet industries, such as the horse, dog, and cat industries. These morphs can sell for thousands of dollars per animal. Every year, breeders gather at reptile shows to buy and sell these animals, as well as supplies to care for them. In New Hampshire alone, there are two large reptile shows a year, held in Manchester, and breeders come from all over the country to sell their animals there. S373 would severely hamper the ability of breeders to do this, as it would make it illegal to transport their snakes across state lines. You can see how this would harm New Hampshire's economy, as well as that of the entire United States.
Senator Nelson has introduced S373 with aim of reducing the number of non-native snakes released into the wild. Ironically, his bill, if passed, may actually increase the number of released snakes. This is because it would make it illegal to transport certain species across state lines. Say a person with a large collection of snakes has to move to another state, for job or other reasons. They can no longer take their pets with them. What do they do? Normally, they might try to sell their snakes to another collector. This bill makes it much harder to do this, since they would only be able to sell to a collector in their own state, and in a smaller state like New Hampshire, there may not be anyone interested in their particular snakes. So they try to take them to an animal shelter. Most mainstream animal shelters will not accept reptiles, since they require specialized care these facilities are not equipped to provide. This person must find a reptile shelter to take their pets. Reptile shelters are few and far between, and those that do exist are often overcrowded and have no room to take on more reptiles. So what does this person do with their snakes? They may be driven to release them into the wild, as they have been left with no other option. Thus, Senator Nelson's bill is likely to cause more reptiles to be abandoned, not fewer.
I am as concerned about the environment as the next person, and I agree that feral Burmese Pythons in the Everglades pose a serious problem. Perhaps a better solution would be to limit S373 to ban the importation and interstate trade of Burmese Pythons only, as these are the snakes causing the problem. Or, perhaps a law requiring the owners of Burmese Pythons to register and microchip all of their animals would help solve the problem. That way, if a snake is released, it could be traced back to its owner, who could then be held responsible. Maybe a bill could be introduced to tighten restrictions on certain snakes only in states whose climate would allow them to survive if released or escaped. Better yet, we could leave it up to each state to regulate the snakes kept within its boundaries, and avoid making this a national issue altogether. In these ways, the problem in the Everglades might be solved without the blanket ban S373 proposes.
Senator Nelson and his adherents are playing on the fear of snakes held by many people, and are relying upon that, not on facts, to get S373 passed. While snakes may not be the best pets for everyone, when properly cared for they are very interesting, safe, and enriching animals. My boyfriend and myself have received hours of enjoyment observing, handling, and caring for our pet snake. I would hate to have that enjoyment taken away from me because S373 was passed. As a registered voter of New Hampshire who voted for you in the last election, I look to you, Senator Shaheen, to vote no on S373: The Python Ban. It's the right thing to do. Thank you so much for taking the time to read this, and have a happy holiday.
Yours sincerely,
Emily Cormier
Hail_Britannia
Animals > People.
While it didn't actually translate on the website, I DID use proper indents and margins on my paragraphs in the actual letters 
tricksterpup
I has nuttin to Say.
New update from USARK
tricksterpup
I has nuttin to Say.
Anacondas...
Suzy
Shazoooooo!
Eunectes are Anacondas. It includes the Green, Yellow, Dark Spotted (deschauenseei), and E. Beniensis.
tricksterpup
I has nuttin to Say.
Sad sad sad. I can't believe (and I don't know why I'm still shocked) that Boas made the list. I suppose I had better get a Hogg Island if I ever plan to have one.
Actually I am not.
If you work with Animal rescues, the most common herps that are dumped every year are Burms, RTBs, Iguanas and Red Eared Sliders.
And sadly, number 6 that is part of that list are Ball pythons. I see more and more of these every year.
kathylove
Pragmatic & Logical
An interesting development on the python situation...
Not sure if the python found in Tampa a few days ago made national news, but it certainly did here in Florida. Some feel that it might have been staged by our enemies. Here is an email forwarded from Wayne Hill (he runs the big Daytona Expo):
----- Original Message -----
From: Ballroom Pythons South Michael Cole
To: Wayne Hill
Sent: Thursday, December 10, 2009 5:30 PM
Subject: Help
To whom it may concern.
I am looking for commitments to a reward leading to the arrest and conviction of the individual(s ) that released the Burmese python(s) in Tampa , Florida this past week this week
I have a commitment of 1000 from Ballroom Pythons south and 1000 from Reptile Industries to start it off and a commitment from FWC law enforcement to distribute flyers and information to the area to search for the offenders.
It is my and other industry professionals belief that this animal (s) were released not buy a pet owner but by a criminal with intent to further the legislation of banning large constrictors in the US .
Any commitment must be liquid so that it can be aid in the event that an arrest and conviction takes place so do not commit to it if you can not follow through. We will only be paying the reward if they catch the perps and convict them of Florida Wildlife Comission (FWC) Reptile of Concern violations including but not limited to the escape or release and illegal keeping and housing non licensed ROC , non microchipped ROC over 2 inches in diameter and all the other ROC rules, including possible federal lacey act violations if the animal was illegally brought into the state We are trying to raise enough money to make sure that whomever knows about the snakes release or escape comes foreword to claim their reward and to send a message that the reptile industry will not tolerate the release of non- native species .
We will be sending or commitment letter and numbers to FWC at noon on 12-11-09
We appreciate any commitment to saving our industry that you can manage.
Please send commitment letters to Michael Cole
ballroom @tampabay.rr.com
and I will be the liaison to the FWC Major in charge.
to view the story click on the link below.
http://www2.tbo.com/content/2009/de...n-captured-authorities-port-tampa/news-metro/
Thanks
Michael Cole
Ballroom Pythons South
www.BallroomPythonsSouth.com
863-439-3015
Thanks
Michael Cole
Ballroom Pythons South
www.BallroomPythonsSouth.com
863-439-3015
Not sure if the python found in Tampa a few days ago made national news, but it certainly did here in Florida. Some feel that it might have been staged by our enemies. Here is an email forwarded from Wayne Hill (he runs the big Daytona Expo):
----- Original Message -----
From: Ballroom Pythons South Michael Cole
To: Wayne Hill
Sent: Thursday, December 10, 2009 5:30 PM
Subject: Help
To whom it may concern.
I am looking for commitments to a reward leading to the arrest and conviction of the individual(s ) that released the Burmese python(s) in Tampa , Florida this past week this week
I have a commitment of 1000 from Ballroom Pythons south and 1000 from Reptile Industries to start it off and a commitment from FWC law enforcement to distribute flyers and information to the area to search for the offenders.
It is my and other industry professionals belief that this animal (s) were released not buy a pet owner but by a criminal with intent to further the legislation of banning large constrictors in the US .
Any commitment must be liquid so that it can be aid in the event that an arrest and conviction takes place so do not commit to it if you can not follow through. We will only be paying the reward if they catch the perps and convict them of Florida Wildlife Comission (FWC) Reptile of Concern violations including but not limited to the escape or release and illegal keeping and housing non licensed ROC , non microchipped ROC over 2 inches in diameter and all the other ROC rules, including possible federal lacey act violations if the animal was illegally brought into the state We are trying to raise enough money to make sure that whomever knows about the snakes release or escape comes foreword to claim their reward and to send a message that the reptile industry will not tolerate the release of non- native species .
We will be sending or commitment letter and numbers to FWC at noon on 12-11-09
We appreciate any commitment to saving our industry that you can manage.
Please send commitment letters to Michael Cole
ballroom @tampabay.rr.com
and I will be the liaison to the FWC Major in charge.
to view the story click on the link below.
http://www2.tbo.com/content/2009/de...n-captured-authorities-port-tampa/news-metro/
Thanks
Michael Cole
Ballroom Pythons South
www.BallroomPythonsSouth.com
863-439-3015
Thanks
Michael Cole
Ballroom Pythons South
www.BallroomPythonsSouth.com
863-439-3015
Buzzard
two corny
I have met Mr Veron Yates. He has several big cats near Lake Seminole. Its a trip to watch him drive his truck with them in the back(in a large cage). People freak out. He has a different way of looking at things. There are several things I do not see eye to eye on him with. However he does have respect for animals under his care and treats them the way they should. Good story though. Doesnt at all point the snake out to be the enemy but that it perhaps escaped/released. It also is educational about the micro chipping. But I have to agree this sounds fishy...
Hypancistrus
New member
Agreed. I think that there are very few of us here that would NOT agree to a well thought out and implemented permitting plan for large constrictors like burms and anacondas. Very few of us think it's great how easy it is to walk into a herp expo, slap down several $20's and walk out with a giant snake.
This law is NOT the way to go about this.
Correct. But what if you HAVE to move to follow your job? What then? None of the snakes we are rehoming are going to homes in Maryland, and one of them would be affected by this bill (Selena the Hog Island). She is going to Robbie in Florida, and under this bill that would be illegal. So what then would be our options? Euthanize a healthy animal? Continue to care for her, even if we knew she had grown out of our league? Release her?? None of these options is good... and these are the options the law will leave for those of us with these animals.
Well said. Kathy Love commented a few months back on the mess the Red earred slider ban has made for Florida reptile rescues. More people are releasing them now than ever, because reptile groups can no longer accept them.
Exactly.
This law won't do anything to solve that... these animals WILL still be traded in state and many times to people less capable of handling them. If you have no options to transfer your animals to experienced people out of state, and no one in state can take them, I suppose you could offer them to inexperienced people in state... thus creating a much more serious issue....
Hail_Britannia
Animals > People.
I tried to touch on some of those issues in my letter to Senators Shaheen and Gregg. I think I made a pretty good argument, so hopefully they'll take the time to read it. I focused my letter more on how this law would effect New Hampshire citizens, since that's where I'm from and that's their area of most concern. We'll see, I guess. I never did write to a senator before.
Hail_Britannia
Animals > People.
I know the two senators I contacted had comment forms on their websites as a way to contact them. You can copy and paste your letter into the comment box. I assume this is the preferred method to contact them, as neither Jeanne Shaheen nor Judd Gregg had an email address posted on their site, I assume for reasons of safety. Shaheen's website in particular mentioned that she preferred this method, as snail mail is subject to delays. Now, if I get no response, I will certainly mail the letters the old-fashioned way. Check to see if your senator has a similar comment form on their website.
Hail_Britannia
Animals > People.
I know! I live in New Hampshire, any python or boa with the misfortune to be outside this time of year would be a snakesicle by morning! I don't own any of the species covered by this bill, but I'd hate to not have the option to purchase one once we get a bigger place.