Posted by:
alternarush
at Thu Mar 13 18:27:39 2008 [ Email Message ] [ Show All Posts by alternarush ]
Does it seem like our empire is crumbling around us? Since when are reptiles and birds such a threat to civilization as to be banned? My wife is a 1st grade teacher in Missouri our pet snakes are a great teaching tool for her. Are we to believe that Matilda the cornsnake is some sort of threat to these kids?
I'm posting this for you all, because you know, like I know, that snakes, frogs, lizards and birds are a great way for kids to learn to appreciate the world around them. What wild animal is so approachable, photogenic, and facinating as a snake? We can't sit by and let these undereducated, if well meaning, legislators pull our hobby out from under us? Can we? Will we?
I'd love to hear your thoughts. I've included the link and I've copied the content below.
Please pay special attention to this passage as an example of the knowledge level we're dealing with here:
Specifically prohibited reptile species include: all reptiles that are venomous by nature as determined by
department rule, including but not limited to Burmese python, reticulated python, African rock python,
green anaconda, yellow anaconda, Indian python, Asiatic monitor, Nile monitor, white throat monitor,
black throat monitor, and crocodile monitor, and any hybrids thereof.
http://www.pijac.org/files/public/MO_HB_1847.pdf
MISSOURI BILLS RESTRICT
COMMON PETS AS “WILD” ANIMALS
PET BIRDS AND REPTILES TO BE PROHIBITED
The Issue.
Companion Missouri legislation to regulate “wild animals” carries a list of restricted species that would
encompass all birds, “including parrots, parakeets, finches, doves and pigeons, and canaries” and all reptiles.
House Bill 1847 and Senate Bill 1032 have certain limited exemptions, and grandfathers in owners of listed
species at the time the measure takes effect, but would otherwise make ownership or possession (as well as
transfer) of birds, reptiles and other “wild animals” illegal.
The Impact.
As with many bills seeking to regulate wild or “exotic” animals, the definitions in this legislation are critical to
the bill’s impact. A wild animal is defined as “any live animal that is wild by nature, whether bred in the wild
or in captivity and whether or not native to Missouri.” Although companion animals are explicitly exempt,
that term as defined by the bill does not include birds or reptiles per se. They do include “any animal that is
commonly kept as a pet” and cite a non-exclusive list of species.
Unfortunately, the definition of wild animal also includes a list of covered species, among which are reptiles
and birds. Curiously, HB 1847 and SB 1032 establish a general prohibition against birds and reptiles, but go
on to list a number of specific species. As currently crafted, therefore, all birds and reptiles would be
prohibited by these bills. It is unclear whether the intent was to limit restrictions to the listed species, or
whether the sponsor included these for emphasis.
Specifically prohibited bird species include: parrots, parakeets, finches, doves and pigeons, and canaries.
Specifically prohibited reptile species include: all reptiles that are venomous by nature as determined by
department rule, including but not limited to Burmese python, reticulated python, African rock python,
green anaconda, yellow anaconda, Indian python, Asiatic monitor, Nile monitor, white throat monitor,
black throat monitor, and crocodile monitor, and any hybrids thereof.
These bills also allow a prohibition by rule against “any other animal deemed to be a wild animal.” Additional
listings under this provision would likely entail a formal rulemaking process.
Exemptions under this legislation include the following, as long as the animal is not being kept as a pet:
• Zoological facilities licensed under 7 U.S.C. Section 2132 et seq. and accredited by the American
Association of Zoological Parks and Aquariums (AAZPA) ;
• Exhibitors licensed under the Animal Welfare Act, 7 U. S.C. Sections 2132 to 2134 who have
demonstrated to the department of agriculture in accordance with rules promulgated by the director
that the sole purpose for which the wild animal or animals are used is for exhibition to the public for
profit or compensation;
• Research facilities, as defined in the Animal Welfare Act, 7 U. S.C. Section 2132(e), which are licensed
by the United States Department of Agriculture and approved under state law;
February 1, 2008
(MO HB 1847/SB 1032)
• Licensed veterinarians and incorporated humane societies, animal shelters, societies for the prevention of
cruelty to animals, or animal welfare organizations in temporary possession of wild animals; provided that
such persons or facilities notify the department of agriculture within forty-eight hours of obtaining custody of
such animal;
• State universities or other state agencies working with wild animals;
• Licensed wildlife rehabilitators who are tending to sick or injured wild animals that are native to Missouri;
• A person having custody of a wild animal solely for the purpose of transporting it to a licensed veterinarian,
wildlife rehabilitator, humane society, or other entity authorized by sections 578.550 to 578.565 to handle or
treat wild animals;
• A wildlife sanctuary;
• A person with a falconry or hawk license; and
• A person who is not a resident of this state and who is in this state only for the purpose of traveling between
locations outside the state. In no event shall such travel time period exceed thirty days.
Those in possession of any prohibited species when the law becomes effective are eligible for the exemption if they
apply to the Department of Agriculture within 60 days and obtain a possession permit, and meet several other
requirements of the Act. The Department is charged with establishing an annual permit fee that must be at least $20
for each animal.
Fines for failure to report a wild animal are a maximum of $250 for a first offense, and at least $250 (with a $1,000
maximum) for every subsequent offense. Wild animals kept without a permit are subject to seizure.
Recommended Action.
This proposal would establish an unprecedented prohibition against countless pet animals, without any
commensurate benefit to the public. Indeed, there is no indication as to how this broad ban against pets can be
justified at all. Persons affected by this legislation, whether breeders, pet stores or just pet owners, are encouraged to
contact members of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Conservation, Parks & Natural Resources (see attached
contact list) to voice their objections. Note that HB 1847 has yet to be assigned to a House Committee. Make certain
to have customers friends and associates make contacts as well. Note that a ban on specifically named species, such
as parakeets, parrots, finches and canaries is bad enough, but the way this bill is currently crafted all birds and
reptiles are banned. It does not matter whether that is the intent, it will be the law if this bill passes without
amendments.
While HB 1847 and SB 1032 have not yet been set for hearing, PIJAC will post a notice on its website at
www.pijac.org under “Breaking News” when a nearing is announced. You are encouraged to check regularly. If you
have further questions concerning this bill please contact PIJAC’s Michael Maddox by phone at 202-452-1525 or by
email at mmaddox@pijac.org. Those who are not members of PIJAC and desire further information about
membership may phone Nancy Knutson at 1-800-553-PETS (7387) or visit the PIJAC website for information.
State of Missouri
Senate Committee on Agriculture, Conservation,
Parks & Natural Resources
State Capitol, #418
Jefferson City, MO 65101
573/751-3859
SENATOR DISTRICT(S) TEL. # EMAIL
Dan Clemens (Ch)(R-20) Christian, Douglas, Greene, Webster 573/751-4008 dan_clemens@senate.mo.gov
Bill Stouffer (V-Ch)(R-21) Carroll, Chariton, Cooper, Howard, Lafayette, Macon, Ray, 573/751-1507 bstouffer@senate.mo.gov
Saline, Clay
Frank A. Barnitz (D-16) Crawford, Dent, Gasconade, Maries, Montgomery, Osage, 573/751-2108 frank.barnitz@senate.mo.gov
Phelps, Pulaski
Maida Coleman (D-5) St. Louis 573/751-2606 http://www.senate.mo.gov/webmail/mail_form.aspx
Brad Lager (R-12) Andrew, Atchison, Caldwell, Clinton, Daviess, DeKalb, 573/751-1415 http://www.senate.mo.gov/webmail/mail_form.aspx
Robert Mayer (R-25) Butler, Dunkin, New Madrid, Pemiscot, Ripley, Stoddard 573-751-3859 rob.mayer@senate.mo.gov
Wayne
Chuck Purgason (R-33) Camden, Howell, Laclede, Oregon, Shannon, Texas, Wright 573/751-1882 chuck.purgason@senate.mo.gov
Wes Shoemyer (D-18) Adair, Audrain, Clark, Knox, Lewis, Marion, Monroe, Pike, 573/751-7852 wes.shoemyer@senate.mo.gov
Putnam, Ralls, Schuyler, Scotland, Shelby[/quote]
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