I may not be the most politically minded, nor have I read absolutely everything involved with the new attacks on reptile ownership... But it seems to me that there are actually folks in this government that believe this law will magically make whats happening down south go away. Blaming reptiles for destruction of the ecosystem is not even a half truth, its all us - People! It was not the snake's idea to grow too big for Junior's terrarium, nor was it that snake's idea to be set free because the people couldn't handle them... There DOES need to be control, especially where these animals can adapt to the natura environment their owners live in. But the control shouldn't be to destroy more of our own economy and make today's long term business person into a felon. Why not hit a compromise? Yes, these species can and are dangerous when mishandled, mistreated, or neglected for consideration. Those whom are familiar with the big species understand this; but they also want to protect their rights to own, propagate, and sell what they love for the advancement of the species! So why not freedom with some required self-control? How about a proposition put forward to this effect? It will add paperwork to everyone's lives, but its better then jail........ How about a large snake registry? I know, sounds odd but hear me out: I don't have everything worked out to cause and effect, if Person A doesn't do this they get fined under B... But perhaps a microchip program for the large reptiles and some sort of registration with the DoW? Just like the microchips used for dogs and cats... You bring kitty in for annual vaccinations, to get fixed at a specific age - The same can be done for a large reptile. If a person releases a snake into the wild it'd be more then easy to track down the guilty party. Of course there would have to be a whole set of regulations setup for transfer of ownership, what happens if somethings not done right, and how to get the large snake community updated without bankrupting anybody. The escapees may have to be treated as they are now, as an invasive species - But at least there would be a new way to track down those whom made a bad name for all of us. Or maybe I'm just thinking over the rainbow? Anyhowdy, thats my two pennies.

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• A minor idea... - SnakeLady, Thu Jan 28 16:39:44 2010