"It is going to be regular people getting the word out to the general public."

I do try, as often as I can & make sure to educate people as to what is really going on when I do programs & outreach. I always encourage others to do the same.

"My advice. Create a postcard. It needs to be simple and to the point. Basically saying they support our rights and don't believe the Fed.govt should be involved."

A post card is an excellent idea. I might have to go invest in a printer. Maybe I need to ask and see if I can log more time at places who DO support our hobby like That Fish Place, with a big snake or lizard & pro herp paraphernalia to hand out, and send the message. I agree 100% that we have to reach "the common man" if we are going to pull through this thing.

I remember trying to get people to send in letters and signatures and all for the python ban. Most of the pet shops I went too wouldn't even let me distribute materials, let alone stand there with a large snake and try to talk to people about what was happening. I found that once I did have a place (That Fish Place in Lancaster PA) it really wasn't hard to get people to listen, and be sympathetic. I then had many people pet and touch Goucho, my Argentine Boa, this included people who where afraid of snakes, and people who said they had no interest in ever keeping a snake or other reptile, but who said they supported my right to do so.

Because of things like this, I personally believe that the more that people saw people with pet reptiles, that is, well cared for, docile and easy to handle pet reptiles, the more they would say, oh, that is a pet for that so inclined person, and it doesn't appear to me to be the ruthless killer that TV has made it out to be.

I feel hiding our animals away makes it look like we have something TO hide. I am completely aware this suggestion is a catch 22 situation, as some people will dislike our animals one way or another, and like to come after us based on the "danger" angle, and by being visible with them we open ourselves up to persecution from those individuals and organizations.

I know some people who have gone out of their way to try to get people involved. For example, I have a good friend who made "Keepers Unite" ribbons for cars, (I have a link for them, but don't want to get into trouble for posting it) and is selling them at his cost. They really make no money off of the sales of these ribbons what so ever, but they thought it would be a good idea to show support for the hobby.

Jason created the design, and they then sent them to be made. I believe they even contacted USARK about putting a link up or something and if I remember correctly, were basically given the brush off, which, IMO, sucks.

Its sad to me to think that marijuana looks like it might well be legal to buy/sell/use in the USA in my lifetime, but getting caught with a large constrictor like Monty in my photo, might account to a felony.

[ Show Entire Thread ]