few years that our hobby / industry has been attacked with increased vigor by legislators, fueled by AR organizations. We have always been subjected to increasing legislation, at least since I became involved in the late '60s / early '70s. But I believe that the media frenzy whipped up by the 'Glades python and gator photo a few years back gave the humaniacs the card they needed to convince lawmakers that we are fair and EASY game RIGHT NOW.



I don't think there is any conspiracy. It is just a lucky (for AR groups) coincidence that their anti exotic agenda, the media looking for sensationalistic news and photos, and politicians looking for scapegoats to blame to take away public attention for their incompetence, all converge on this being a good time to target a relatively minor constituency - us! Add in a public that generally doesn't care for herps (especially snakes), is looking for somebody to blame for all of our problems, and doesn't have the time or inclination to research further into a problem they don't have any stake in, and you have a perfect storm - for us!



The reptile industry is not COMPLETELY blameless - there are irresponsible reptile keepers and breeders just are there are irresponsible people in every hobby or business you can name. But many of those hobbies / industries are not attacked like we are because they are seen as more difficult, expensive, more popular, or more vote wielding targets than we are. The fact that we are targeted so heavily because of money, AR agendas, and political ploys, instead of biological, or even just logical, facts, is why many of us are skeptical, or even bitter, about humaniac groups and their paid legislators.



ANIMAL WELFARE is important and I doubt that anyone on this forum is against it. But you CAN'T BARGAIN with AR groups such as PETA and H$U$. They want to END OUR HOBBY, and are willing to do it one step at a time. ANYTHING you do to help them in ANY WAY is helping them to eventually end our hobby. They may do something you like to help animals - occasionally. But when they finish, they will turn their attention to you (us). There are LOTS of ANIMAL WELFARE groups that can use your support. And there are LOTS of anti cruelty laws already on the books. If they are enforced, we probably don't need more laws. This country already has way more laws than can ever be enforced.



And that is why you will find politics a hot subject with herpers these days. We didn't ask for it - it was thrust upon us.

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