These are all the big topics that need to be addressed concerning the Columbus raid yesterday. From what I understand (wasn't there), F&G treated it like everyone was a criminal.



No, wasn't there. But had some good friends there that were. Many of them, innocent, but treated like the lowest form of life for 5 hours because they were taking part in a hobby they truly love. But instead of ranting about how the innocent pay for the guilty's crimes, I'll address the important subjects that need serious attention here.



A vendor there was told by an agent, "that any reptile entering OH needs to be accompanied by a health certification from a qualified vet." When the vendor asked, "and what vets are qualified to do the certification?" His question was answered with, "Not our problem." The agent was also asked, "is Ohio the only state doing this?" The question was answered with, "No, at least Pa needs it now too." So, what does this mean? It means that any Pa vendor crossing state lines to go to the Columbus show needs health certification for every reptile they have with them. And the same for any vendors entering Pa to do those shows. This information is not publicly made (at least in Pa). So, who would have known? Basically, you can pretty much forget about alot of out of state vendors coming to your local shows at least for those two states, and any other state that requires it. If they stay within the law, it will cost them quadruple fold in vet bills to bring reptiles across state lines compared to what they would bring home from the show. And if this information is not made available to vendors, how the hell do they know which shows (by state) they are allowed to attend (cross state lines) without the certification? Call the F&G for every state and get to talk to their automated answering system I suppose? I'm not arguing the certification law. From the hobby's standpoint it can only strengthen the quality of the animals offered for sale. What I would like to know, is why the hell they can't make this info public so that vendors ARE able to do the right thing (as authorities deem the RIGHT THING), without facing fines ($500-$50,000), prosecution, confiscation, and harrassment???



The media plays this out as a raid on a show which offers endangered and threatened reptiles and amphibians. They make it sound like that's the only thing being offered at these shows.



This hobby is at it's peak as far as captive breeding vs. importation of WC animals is concerned. Never have more animals been captive bred than right now. Maybe it's just getting too big?



If anyone knows where UPDATED state by state laws can be found please make it available. Thanks.....

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