Most legislation affecting the herp community is promulgated o a state/local level. We cannot expect national organizations to pull our fat out of the fire on this. There is NO substitute for state organizations which are committed LONG TERM to developing constructive relationships with legislators, regulators and LE. This takes time. Here in Texas, the falconers were recently exempted from the road ban precisely because they had taken the time and care to develop said relationships (that does not mean that falconers are not heavily regulated-they are- but they remain fre to pursue their hobby in their preffered manner). Organizations like HCU and the various Texas herp societies are busily engaged in similar efforts, and you will see effective and focused campaigns in this upcomming legislative session.

On the National level, PIJAC has a proven commitment to our industry, and a long history of effective lobbying on behalf of the pet industry as a whole.It is, IMO, our best bet.

On both levels, state and national, we must be VERY careful not to become overly identified with either political party, or we risk marginalization when the winds shift....
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Brad Chambers
WWW.HCU-TX.ORG

The Avalanche has already started-it is too late for the pebbles to vote....

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