Please see the link below

http://atlanta.bizjournals.com/atlanta/prnewswire/press_releases/national/Georgia/2010/02/02/DC47994

USARK Alert:

Yesterday S303 was heard before the Georgia Senate Natural Resources Committee. The bill introduced by Senator Douglas (District 17) would require a cost prohibitive permit system and micro chipping provision that could put reptile farmers out of business and take away the ability of people to own animals that are currently legal to own in Georgia. Penalties for violations of the statute could bring fines of up to $1000 and a year in jail.

An attorney testified on behalf of USARK and our members in Georgia. Also testifying was Snakes are Us Reptile Rescue, GA Dept of Natural Resources and Georgia Wildlife Federation. USARK asked that economic factors and small business considerations be more closely examined, and that a more suitable Committee Substitute be forwarded. Committee Vice Chairman Senator Bulloch questioned the necessity or effectiveness of such a bill. The request by USARK and the Reptile Rescue to fore go a "Favorable" rating was honored. A second hearing is scheduled for tomorrow at 2pm at the State Capitol in Atlanta. It is the opinion of USARK that this new hearing has been scheduled too soon and S303 needs careful and well thought out consideration prior to moving forward. USARK suggests using their model legislation as a template to move forward. It was recently passed in North Carolina and addresses security, containment and escape prevention. There are no permits or fees and the legislation does not necessitate administration by the State Dept of Natural Resources. It will cost the state nothing because it is written into criminal statute.

It is important that you attend the meeting if at all possible! There is Strength in Numbers... Protect Your Rights!! Hearing will be at the Capitol Office Building at 2PM February 3, 2010.

Click here to read S303:

http://usark.org/uploads/GAsb303.pdf

Send an Email to the Senate Natural Resources Committee today to OPPOSE S303.

http://usark.org/campaign.php?id=10

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