Groups such as Peta and the HSUS have more to fear from the Federal government then the snakes do. These organizations have direct ties to other radical groups such as the ALF( Animal Liberation Front ) and SHAC (Stop Huntingdon Animal Cruelty). The FBI has classified these groups as Domestic terrorist organizations . All have a long and serious list of wrong doings. There are many politicians who are aware of this and do not knowingly support them but...............

Ingrid Newkirk's Peta's co fonder has said has said of PETA's campaign strategy: "How do we pick our battles? By trying to touch the public imagination, the public heart".

In Newkirk's own words -- "complete press sluts." Endlessly seeking media exposure, PETA sends out dozens of press releases every week.

How they do all their damage is at the street level by targeting the uninformed and they do it while wearing a variety of disguises. Same group different names. They make people think their supporting one thing but in fact their aiding Peta .

Anti ownership factions stir things up by relentlessly getting their view out to the public. They approach local politicians and authorities to gain their support. Before you know it the states involved and then one day a folder is sitting on a Federal officers desk containing complaint letters not from some crazy animal rights group but from State representative`s , commissioners and biologist. The Feds can't just blow it off.

Florida has long been the hub of the exotic animal trade and also a major target of anti ownership groups. This latest assault is the direct result of their work. Back in the late 70`s the industry was faced with a similar situation. Louie Porrus spear headed an incredible defense rally even going as far as to lobby the White House for support. We proved our point by a landslide margin. The major difference between then and now is that anti ownership groups have strengthen their position considerably. Another important factor is that these groups now have a very strong platform to build their case off of. The situation in the Glades is a dream come true for the people that want to stop us. Talk about a chance to touch the public's imagination, the public's heart.

I don't believe the Federal Fish and Wildlife is out to get us by any means. If they were it would already be over. I feel if we have enough support we can make a very good case on our behalf and hopefully it will get reviewed objectively. I do not expect to come out of this unscathed but I'm not planing any exit strategies by a long shot.

Ernie Eison
Westwoodreptiles.com

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