Posted by:
HappyHillbilly
at Fri Nov 17 09:28:33 2006 [ Email Message ] [ Show All Posts by HappyHillbilly ]
While I don't like seeing what we assume, or may/may not be, our basic rights, being infringed upon, taken away or restricted, I can see & support some types of regulations.
Unfortunately, careless individuals make things hard on everyone. I'm an experienced snake enthusiast that has recently suffered the end results of such.
I was supposed to do a reptile exhibit at a local school for their Fall Carnival. It was stated that the animals had to remain caged, which I didn't like but understood & agreed to.
The week before our carnival, another school had their fall carnival and someone was allowed to bring a snake. Somone got bit and everyone overacted. I was told that I couldn't bring my snakes, but other reptiles were fine.
Since snakes make up the majority of my reptile collection and my 10-ft Burmese was to be the "Shock & Awe" factor, I canceled.
A mere "permit" is worthless, in my opinion. Any fool with money can then keep venomous reptiles. In one State, for a mere $300 per year and a clean criminal record, you can own an automatic weapon (machine gun, etc...). I know of a few unstable individuals that could qualify and the thought of them having one petrifies me.
I could support a type of requirement course (similar to the hunter safety courses) and reasonable fees to cover the costs of the course and possible on-site inspections. I wouldn't jump out of my seat and say, "Hey! Let's do this & that...", unless steps were already being taken to regulate or ban venomous reptiles.
Costs must be kept low so that the underprivileged are not left out. With all of this dang "earmarking" taking place, by BOTH political parties, this could easily be achieved.
Similar to what Rob mentioned in a thread below this one, about the falconry, a herpetological organization could possibly step in & save the day. My main concern is the "little guy" or "average joe" getting left out due to high costs and too many requirements/regulations. Any of you big-time herp organizations up to the task? I'd gladly join your organization if part of my fees went to curb the costs of venomous regulations.
I doubt it if it will make it to the Federal level, any time soon, at least, but, it sure wouldn't surprise me any.
Just my two cents worth!
Have a great day!
Mike
PS
Can anyone give me a link to FL's regulations? I grew up & spent most of my life in central FL (Apopka) and with ailing/aging parents still there, there's a chance I may move back at some point.
Thanks!
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It is said that 1 out of every 4 people are mentally unbalanced. Think of your 3 closest friends, if they're normal, then it's you.
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Regulations - HappyHillbilly, Fri Nov 17 09:28:33 2006