Niles--same ideas, just toward nile monitor removal efforts in Cape Coral and other affected areas. This issue is just starting to attract media attention and we are in a good position to make ourselves look good by being part of the solution. We don't even have to give money here, we could help by educating people in Cape Coral about Niles and asking them to report sightings, roadkills, etc. I believe this problem is small enough right now irradication efforts could be successful.


Before the burms the Niles were getting all the attention, Everything in your above statement was done and the end result was the AR groups used all the information to try attack private owners.

The idea of making ourselves look good by going after another segment of the trade is not a smart one. The whole have my cake and eat it to mentality.The entire pet trade had better start coming together and sticking together. Everything is a potential point of attack for AR groups. A lot of the ideas sound nice but ultimately wont do anything more then help these groups make their point. There's nothing wrong with promoting responsible ownership, improving international trade methods, pet care husbandry, etc., but these ideas must be carefully thought out in terms of presentation.

Nothing is unimpeachably honest, You wont see a single AR board member, conservation society member, scientist or politician that is on the anti ownership/trade band wagon take a shot or question the actions of anyone else who has sided with them, on the other hand private owners are constantly pointing the finger at the people who are on their side. Cutting their own throats. The pet trade and its supporters could really learn a lesson from the "other side" about what it means to have a unified front.

Below are a few lines from a recent news article that was printed in the ST. PETE. TIMES. I think it sum's up some major points pretty well as to the what these bills are all about. Those with an interest should read it and think about what it says,

The week before, when the bill was presented to a different House committee, members noted their approval with a tongue-in-cheek: "Yessss."

Such is the life of an animal bill trying to become law. They draw bad jokes, dramatic anecdotes and scads of lobbyists. In a year when cost is key, proposals like the python bill — with no tax dollars attached but plenty of political juice — become exceedingly popular among legislators.

"It's a good year for these kinds of bills," said Janet Bowman of the nonprofit environmental group, the Nature Conservancy, "because they don't have fiscal impact."


ERNIE EISON
WESTWOOD ACRES REPTILE FARM INC.

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