PHFaust: On behalf of Jeff Barringer and all of us at kingsnake.com, Andrew Wyatt, president of US Ark to our chat this evening.

PHFaust: With the current probable defeat of HR669 as it was written, AB1122 in CA, and SB3079, we reptile keepers are entering new waters for ourselves.

PHFaust: Andrew is an Eco-Tour operator on the Outer Banks of NC. He is also a python breeder and Master Falconer. His animals have been featured in National Geographic Channel productions. In 2005 he co-founded the NC Association of Reptile Keepers. He is the co-founder and President of the US Association of Reptile Keepers.

PHFaust: Andrew has a passion for the hobby as well as our rights to continue to keep these animals. USARK has moved to take a pre-emptive approach and assist in fair and just laws rather than waiting for the hammer to fall on the entire hobby. North Carolina's S307 is an example, responsible legislation for herpers by herpers.

PHFaust: The mission statement of USARK is The US Association of Reptile Keepers (USARK) is a science and education based advocacy for the responsible private ownership of, and trade in reptiles. We endorse caging standards, sound husbandry, escape prevention protocols, and an integrated approach to vital conservation issues. Our goal is to facilitate cooperation between government agencies, the scientific community, and the private sector in order to produce policy proposals that will effectively address important husbandry and conservation issues. The health of these animals, public safety, and maintaining ecological integrity are our primary concerns.

PHFaust: Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls I present Andrew Wyatt, president of USARK!

USARK: thank you

Limey1: clapping

Limey1: First of all thank you for the work USARK is doing in protecting our rights!

What do you make of all the rumors that PIJAC and some of the so called "big breeders" are drawing a compromise that will only benefit the said "big breeders"

USARK: i cant speak for pijac.. they have not made their intentions clear...

USARK: i will say that i am against anything

USARK: that will end thing for the small guys

USARK: everyone gets to play in my book

Limey1: Andrew, it had to be asked

Limey1: thank you

Diamonddave_nr: What are the benefits that joining gives... and why should we become members?

USARK: the benefit are that you get involved in your own future...

USARK: we as the reptile nation need to take our destiny in our own hands

USARK: all of your contributions go toward making our voices heard on the hill and at state capitols

USARK: if the masses in the hobby and industry don't get more involved we will not reach our goals of saving ourselves

USARK: grassroots baby

USARK: it works ... as proven at the hr669 hearing!

USARK: 50,000 letters dropped a big bomb

Diamonddave_nr: are any of the board getting paid or is this something they are doing for free

USARK: all of the BOD has worked as volunteers... no one has gotten paid a dime

balls_nr: what new laws are there? i heard there are new ones in affect? ga

USARK: can you be more specific?

balls_nr: im not sure. i was on this chat room and ther was talk of new laws...

PHFaust: Perhaps the NC law?

balls_nr: perhaps?

USARK: there may be some local ordinances recently passed

PHFaust: Or did the vote go through on the CA law about shows?

USARK: but i am not aware of anything at the state or fed level

balls_nr: CA...that affects me more

USARK: CA-- ab1122 passed out of the appropriations committee

balls_nr: what does that mean?

PHFaust: What is the next step on this one?

USARK: but it must still be voted on by the full house

USARK: then if it passes the house it will go to the senate

balls_nr: what would the law be? thats all im curious about...

PHFaust: http://www.usark.org/uploads/ab_1122_bill_20090514_amended_asm_v96.pdf

USARK: we were able to get them to drop any references to swap meets and flea markets that could potentially be interpreted to stop reptile shows

PHFaust: http://www.usark.org/uploads/ab_1122_bill_introduced.pdf

PHFaust: balls those are the two links....

balls_nr: thanks.

RockReptiles: Where exactly does HR 669 stand? At one point there was talk that they were going to redo it and call it something else...

USARK: that is still where it stands

USARK: it may be re-written and submitted as a new bill

USARK: i expect that it is not over with hr669. just not in it's current form

RockReptiles: ...at any time? Or do they have to wait until a year passes or what? What else can we do? We've been (still) spreading the word about it

USARK: the word is that the proponents are looking to carve exemptions for the biggest opponents

USARK: btw- we are not going to make any deals

PHFaust: While we are waiting for hottie, Andrew is there anything right now that needs special attention from the Reptile nation

USARK: we need to stay on our toes... we did great at the hearing

USARK: but that was only a small victory. THIS IS NOT OVER BY A LONG SHOT!

USARK: our opponents got kicked in the teeth by a small herp org....

USARK: but they will not give up easily...

USARK: they have the money and influence to back their play!

USARK: we must be ready to act... and quickly

USARK: we have a team of lobbyists on the hill keeping a close eye on things and feeding intelligence

USARK: when it is time to act we will let the reptile nation know

USARK: and we will give direction on how to be most effective!ga

Ash_nr: Is there anything that can be done for the group as a volunteer for us little guy? Are you actively looking for volunteers?

Ash_nr: basically is there any thing you need help with that those of us who support can help with?

USARK: always... send me an email and we'll decide how best to put you to work! thanks!!!

Ash_nr: cool......

boaphile: Good evening Andrew Wyatt. What can individuals do to support USARK?

USARK: join the Reptile Nation, educate yourself to the issues and take action when we ask for it

boaphile: By join you mean become a paid member correct? Those lobbyists must cost a pretty penny.

USARK: all new donations are going to be matched by a friend of the Nation... more news soon in press release

boaphile: Are donations different from paid memberships?

USARK: yes i mean join as a paid member... lobbyist are extremely expensive

USARK: they are all considered donations except purchase of merchandise

boaphile: Thank you for all you do Andrew and for what are going to do in the future.

USARK: you are a gentleman and a scholar

PHFaust: Before we move to rock, you mentioned a small reptile organization. How small are we talking? Was there a membership boost around hearing time as well?

USARK: yes we have grown tremendously

USARK: i meant in contrast to the goliaths in the AR and extreme environmentalist community

boaphile: AR= Animal Rights Movement.

RockReptiles: Thank you for answering our questions from before...... Say they do pass something like HR669.... How are they going to regulate it- like the interstate transportation... or like accidental breeding. Did they give suggestions at all- or they just pushing to get something passed and ask questions later?

USARK: yes that is precisely it... they call it an unfunded mandate and enforcement is a big question

RockReptiles: thank you

Lucey_nr: What is the difference really between USARK and PIJAC? Also is USARK a lobby organization or a watch dog organization. or a combo of both?

USARK: USARK is the voice of the Reptile Nation... not the pet industry. we are an advocacy for the right to own and trade in reptiles... we have no conflict of interest with other groups and agendas. Herps are our only concern

USARK: yes we do a lot of lobbying

SmallScaleRescue: Has USARK started preparing laws in advance , such as the NC law that seemed reasonably fair. Is it in our best interest to look at drafting regulations rather than wait and attack?

USARK: yes... you know we authored the bill in NC, right.

USARK: it is not enough to say no to legislation... you must offer suitable alternatives to be successful in the long run

anthill: Hello and thank you for attending Mr. Wyatt. Is it possible to come up with a proposal for self regulation that would appease lawmakers and their supporters?

USARK: possibly so... but not within the framework of the current Animal Rights driven legislation

USARK: it must be re-written by herpers for herpers

anthill: thanks

cherokee_reptile: in the state of florida with permitting of specific species what direction do you see the hobby going for small scale breeders?

USARK: you need to stand with the reptile nation to make sure your voice and concerns are heard in order that you may survive all this turmoil

USARK: small hobbyist are the heart and should of usark... w/o you we are nothing

USARK: with you we are a force to be reckoned with

USARK: we will make sure your interests are served at the state and federal level

boanick_nr: Have you met with the larger scale breeder to discuss putting into place standards ie: not selling a 14 year old kid a baby burmese at a reptile show? This is something I see all the time and wonder what will happen to that snake.... perhaps also reaching out to organizers of the smaller swaps nationwide?

USARK: i think alot of that can be dealt with at point of sale

USARK: it is about education

USARK: people need to be educated as to what they are getting in to

USARK: educated herpers are sophisticated herpers that don't get in above their heads

USARK: we are working on guidelines and we have a code of ethics you can see on our site

PHFaust: this is the link to the code of ethics http://www.usark.org/uploads/USARK Code of Ethics.doc

USARK: we talk to show promoters around the country and encourage them to support us on this

USARK: we all need to step up our game as members of this community

Brianna_nr: are you going to have a meeting anywhere for the public? Like at one of the larger shows?

USARK: we go to most of the larger shows and a lot of small ones too...

USARK: we will be in New Orleans at the end of the month

USARK: San Diego next month, Daytona and many many others. we host socials and raise money

USARK: we are constantly on the ground with sleeves rolled up to work for the reptile nation come see us

USARK: we would love to talk to you1

Ash_nr: Has the rodda map been officially debunked at this point or is it a viable threat? and is it still haunting us with all this legislation?

USARK: it has been rebutted... it is still a threat... one opinion against another

USARK: we just have to keep telling the truth

USARK: that is key, i believe.... we have built this org on a foundation of character, integrity and a dedication to the truth

USARK: we just have to keep pounding the message home

USARK: repetition is the mother of understanding!

Joe_Hiduke: Any news or rumors on S373?

USARK: it doesn't seem to be going anywhere at the moment... but that could change quickly

USARK: it is extremely simple and could be passed w/o much debate... that makes it dangerous

USARK: we are in contact with Senator Nelsons office educating them to our position

USARK: he knows there is massive opposition

USARK: and doesn't have anyone cosponsoring it with him

USARK: that means no real commitment

USARK: that said all it would take is one incident... real or manufactured to give it legs

mikey_nr: do you think it is bad practice to post our theories on the websites? Someone mentioned it just adds fuel to our adversaries....

USARK: as long at it is civil and well thought out it's good

USARK: mud slinging and baseless accusations are not good

USARK: this is a forum where we discuss and debate our issues

USARK: that is called intellectual discourse

USARK: it is healthy as long as it is done to get the best look at what we believe to be the truth

USARK: if it gets into a pissing match about egos instead of intellectual debate it loses practical value

Diamonddave_nr: how did USARK start and how long has it been around?

USARK: it started in NC over 4 years ago because of AR legislation being introduced that would ban many reptiles. we could not get any help from national organizations so we started our own. it worked so good we leveraged it into usark

Limey1: What can the average hobbyist, breeder do to further support USARK?



Please list the USARK website .



and is it true that Ted was once a beautiful young woman?

USARK: well we need money to pay our bills and develop more integrated strategies... so donations, memberships and just more participation are desperately needed. www.usark.org

Limey1: and Ted?

USARK: woman... possibly... beautiful? i doubt it!!!

Limey1: hahahah



PHFaust: On behalf of Jeff Barringer and all of us here at kingsnake.com, Thank You for taking your time to chat with us. Transcripts will be posted this evening. Once again, Thank you Andrew!

PHFaust: To learn more about US ARK and membership, please visit their website at www.usark.org

PHFaust: I do want to add that USARK is on Myspace, Facebook and Twitter as well

PHFaust: http://www.myspace.com/usark

PHFaust: http://twitter.com/USARK

PHFaust: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1297121470&ref=profile#/group.php?gid=89189875928
-----
Cindy

PHFaust



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