I love how “they” leave out significant paragraphs. Rumor has it (as I was not at that ’98 – ’99 OH meeting either) that the paragraph to make mutations exempt in the OH native regs. was left out in the official release also. While, I realize they may not want to include every word in their public release, “Two recent snakebite deaths in Ohio underscore the need for this type of legislation. Both of these cases involved private individuals who kept exotic snakes as pets. One main argument made by private owners is that they are the only ones who are put at risk by these animals, and that they have the right to take that risk if they so choose. It is our position that a private bite can and does affect many more people than just the individual owner. Please allow me to present an example scenario of snakebite to a private keeper. Initially, the keeper is bitten by an exotic snake for which he has no antivenin. The keeper is then at risk of death or permanent disfigurement due to the bite. Most snakebite are survivable if proper antivenin can be located, however antivenin does not affect necrosis or death of tissue that can be caused by the venom. Therefore even if the victim survives there may be permanent loss of use of a limb, which could result in the person not being able to work. If the victim retains consciousness and rational thought, the snake may be replaced in its cage after the bite. However, if the person loses consciousness or simply panics, the snake may be loose in the house. Emergency personnel will then be at risk themselves when responding to the scene. It goes without saying that most paramedics and other first responders are generally not trained to handle a venomous snake safely. Additionally, the unnecessary use of such personnel for this reason precludes their being able to respond to any other potential needs during that time period.” was the official quote from you. I would like to make it clear that I respect your right to your own opinion, would not attack your character for having such an opinion, & feel your stance is justified. I imagine giving up those precious vials for Bubba & his pet Rattlesnake can leave a bad taste. I’m sure your business of providing venom will not wane if private individuals were no longer legally permitted to keep HOTS. I KNOW THAT EVERY RESPECTABLE HERPETOCULTURIST WAS ONCE AN AMATEUR KEEPER – and I mean EVERYONE!!!! What will happen when the only people permitted to interact & learn about these animals are those lucky (or fortunate in some cases) enough to get zoo jobs.



1) Most HOT keepers keep venomous animals because we truly care & respect them. Most people have jobs (inc. zoo jobs – no offense to all the dedicated zoo employees) for a paycheck.

2) Many zoo people do not even work in the dept. which holds the most fascination/interest to them.



I REALLY DO respect the work you do - I’m sure it can be thankless at times but I’M SURE YOU ARE AWARE OF HOW MANY PEOPLE YOU HAVE HELPED & WILL CONTINUE TO HELP THROUGHOUT YOUR CAREER.



How different do you think your life would be if there was a statewide law prohibiting individuals from keeping venomous snakes before you became “experienced”??



What if every state passed the same ban?? Where would the true leaders of your field come from? A zoo? What would this world be like if Mr. Haast was unable to keep Venomous snakes? Does this mean we have learned everything about snakes & the complexity of their venom we can? We are just on the brink of finding out how a snake’s natural defense can treat diseases we’ve been plagued w/ for centuries. Although, I was unaware of the meeting, am not a resident of KY, I am concerned about these laws. People should have a choice in these issues. Why is a permit system not feasible w/ no consideration or evidence to support such a statement? “We realize that to establish and enforce a permit system that would regulate ownership of these animals and create proper standards for their maintenance would be cost prohibitive to the state.”? Shouldn’t we have a right to say $250, $500, $5,000 is too much to pay for a permit enabling me to keep HOTs. Make as many requirements as necessary to “do it right”. Make the fines harsh enough to pay for any time spent pursuing a keeper neglecting to obtain the proper permit. Why do all the costs automatically have to be the cities responsibility? A ban is not the answer – as a country established on freedom, we have lost sight of ours…….

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