Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Here's the text of the bill. http://mlis.state.md.us/2006rs/billfile/HB0704.htm

Part of the wording is basically an illegal siezure IMO, and the wording would prevent anyone except a zoo from bringing in crocodilians and venomous FOR EDUCATION OR DISPLAY. What if you live in another state and want to take a new job in MD? What would happen to your caiman (or other pet listed in the bill) then?

It's currently in the House of Delegates Judiciary Committee, the hearing was today (16th). SO, MD RESIDENTS AND NON-RESIDENTS please contact the committee members ASAP to ask them to oppose HB 704. There's only a day or two to stop this.

You can find committee members here:
http://www.mdarchives.state.md.us/msa/mdmanual/06hse/html/com/05jud.html

Click on their names to get their contact information. At the very least, call the committee HQ and let them know your thoughts.

Judiciary Committee
House Office Building, Room 101
12 Bladen St., Annapolis, MD 21401 - 1991
(410) 841-3488, (301) 858-3488;
1-800-492-7122, ext. 3488 (toll free)
fax: (410) 841-3850, (301) 858-3850

If you are a Maryland resident, also consider contacting your delegates, in case this gets out of committee to the House floor. You can find your elected officials here: http://mdelect.net/

Katrina

Looks like the House is going to past the 704....
http://mlis.state.md.us/2006rs/billfile/hb0704.htm

I want to know why they crossed-out False Caiman from the bill ??? What is a False Caiman..

I don't see them setting up a grandfather clause for my pals...
Maryland HB704

http://mlis.state.md.us/2006rs/bills/hb/hb0704t.pdf

Looks at line 8 in section two - there's a granfathering clause if you register with animal control, but since most MD bills universally become law in October, you'd have to register your animal even before the bill becomes law!

We need to find out which Senate committee is getting it next, and when their hearing is. Contact ALL members of the committee and mention that there have been NO human deaths to caimans in the US. Plus, the cost of additional papwerwork of registering caimans with animal control will be a waste of tax payer dollars, especially compared to the number of dollars in sales and income tax lost when people won't be shopping at Home Depot, plant nurseries, and pet stores on supplies for thier pet caimans.

Katrina

Katrina