You have to email Ms. Letitia Mee, Letitia.Mee@state.nm.us.





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Ms. Mee,



I am not a resident of New Mexico. However, this new importation rule could potentially affect me and thousands of others like me.



I am in the US military. I am a veteran of both Afghanistan and Iraq. I also happen to keep reptiles as pets, including a box turtle I've had for 27 years.



As a military member, I am required to move from base to base, usually every three years. I have little to no voice as to where I am stationed next. That means I could essentially be "forced" to move to one of several bases in New Mexico.



The new importation rule appears to make it illegal to import box turtles of all species (I have 1 of each species native to the US) without a certificate of a clean bill of health. The problem is that most reptiles are carrriers of Salmonella--while the risk level is the same as that of uncooked chicken (wash your hands after handling either reptiles or raw chicken, and you'll be fine), a reptile keeper would most likely be unable to find a veterinarian willing to certify ANY reptile as "clean" in the most literal sense, creating a de facto ban on all listed species.



This new rule means I would have to give up my pets--which I consider to be essential components of my household. Imagine being told your family dog is not welcome in your new home, and DOUBLE the amount of time you've had it--time your kids have enjoyed its company, and you'll be close to where I'm coming from.



Many other species of reptiles and amphibians are listed in the various categories, most of them with no apparent basis for listing other than someone took a previously-prepared list. That may explain why some species and categories of species appear in two or more categories! (Chameleons come to mind; I could find more if I scrubbed the list again).



I and many others would like to know the rationale behind the addition of seemingly innocuous species to the list; especially since the stated goal of the rule is to protect game animals (I've never seen a deer threatened in any way by a gecko!).



If the fear is salmonella, then perhaps the New Mexico lawmakers at all levels also think the public is not sufficiently responsible to eat chicken either and appropriate legislation is forthcoming. However, I have the sinking suspicion the proposed rule is merely uninformed and has been created at the behest of groups working against the interests of longtime reptile lovers such as my family and me.



The favor of a reply is requested.



Sincerely,

Chris McMartin
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Chris McMartin

www.mcmartinville.com

I'm Not a Herpetologist, but I Play One on the Internet

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