>>...was reading a post on here suggesting that we need to band together with the dog and cat owners...well that will never happen why?...most dog and cat owners are anti-snake ownership and mostly adhere to the good snake/dead snake BS...



Actually there are many key points when dealing with dog and cat owners. When the last letter writing campaign occurred, I set myself up with 100 letter for each WI rep at Petco. I stood there with 3 clip boards and nothing else. I had 3 reptile people sign, a few bird folks (and people bird folks are who we need to partner with!) and the rest were dog or cat people. Dog or cat people who knew NOTHING about the law, dog or cat people who are afraid of snakes.



Key points -

It helps if you have a basic BSL knowledge. BSL is breed specific legislation. BSL can target ANYTHING. For info on this check out some of the more well known APBT folks at BAD RAP, Understand-a-bull and PBRC. This will help you with the next steps.



Site facts such as PETA is on a mission to require all dogs (and specifically starting by targeting certain breeds) be altered. When people mention this is a good idea, less animals in shelters, explain what this means is if mandtory S/N will wipe out the pet population completely. The fact that PETA is targeting certain breeds for extinction is step one in eradicating the domestic pet.



Point out how laws snow ball. Explain that there are locations, because of support of this organizations, that dogs are banned over certain sizes (most common is 50lbs). This targets above breed. This targets lab, beagle, poodle, mixed breeds and more owners. Not just those "terrible" Pit bulls, dobes, rotties, etc...



Learn about Alley Cat Allies. While many folks do not like feral cats, the fact that there are groups out there that work to maintain colonies and provide spay neuter to help prevent future breedings is a talking point for cat owners. AR groups want these cats dead. Point out that many farmers use cats regularly and the fact that setting up a MANAGED feral colony for these folks help with controlling infestations of rodents. That these groups work to ensure future breedings are stopped, but also utilize a wide network of approved homes to properly MANAGE these populations to prevent the KILLING of animals. (note key words)



Hope these hints help. What I have found is using my knowledge on other programs can and do make it VERY easy to segue into working with the other pet owners.



Target responsible ownership. Talk about why reptiles make good pets and ALSO be prepared to list some great FAMILY FRIENDLY pets.



Things to avoid -

All the money breeders loose, use it as all the money other people loose. Avoid mentioning breeders. Income from reptile sales is more than just the livestock. Remember that.



If snakes are outlawed only outlaws will keep them - These laws will require me to KILL my BELOVED family pet.
-----
Cindy Steinle

PHFaust

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