Here is the latest correspondance...I had asked for specific contact information; specifically the USDA officer they stated was involved..and yet the story changes subtly again...

I will keep all posted as promised...





Mr. Campbell;



I haven't been able to get the specific contact you requested.



I visited with our game warden who was involved in visits to Austin pet stores this past month. He indicated it was FDA (Food and Drug Administration) staff that were visiting pet stores, looking for compliance with federal regulations concerning sale of turtles (I guess even we get confused about which federal agency is involved). He accompanied them on a few visits to see if folks selling native wildlife species had the proper Texas Parks and Wildlife permit.



He indicated there wasn't any discussion about changing laws, venemous snakes, etc., though he indicated that a pet store that sells a number of venomous snakes did get in trouble for not meeting animal care requirements. I understand that the situation was such that the store was closed and the animals transferred to caretakers. He said he would guess that it would be easy for 'the grapevine' to get the story twisted with folks assuming it was because of the venomous snakes that there was a problem.



Since its a pending case, I don't have access to the detailed information.



Best contact info I could come up with is



Food and Drug Administration

DALLAS DISTRICT

3032 Bryan Street

Dallas, TX 75204

(214) 655-5315



John Herron

Program Director, Wildlife Diversity

Texas Parks and Wildlife

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