Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Warren J. Triche of Thibodaux, LA has introduced HB783 which changes state law from "Constrictors over 12 feet" to just "Constrictors". This means that owners of ball pythons, Mexican milks & kings and any other non-indigenous constrictor would need a permit! Please contact Representative Triche and ask him to pull HB783. Contact your State Representative and ask them not to support HB783 and to vote against it. Contact Wilfred Pierre, Chairman of the House Natural Resource Commmittee and Jack D. Smith, Vice-Chair and ask them to kill HB783 in their committee. Ask as many people as you can to make contacts; the more contacts that are made, the more effective our message will be. House switchboard: 225-342-6945 email: webreps@legis.state.la.us (put Representative's name on the subject line)

~Bill Watts, Chairman
Legislative Committee
Louisiana Gulf Coast Herpetological Society, Inc.
504-710-8456

State of Louisiana Legislative

I've already called my state rep. His office hadn't originally heard of the bill, but his legislative associate looked up the bill for me and will pass along my opposition. I told her that if he'd like to meet my snakes to get an idea what this bill is trying to ban, I'd be happy to find a time to meet him. However, I have only two snakes, and my ball python is too young to be representative of the species.

I've now read it myself, and I have some questions. The bill mentions permits for those who can prove previous ownership. What constitutes proof of previous ownership? Does previous ownership mean that I can never expand on my collection even if I have the permit?

I keep meaning to join LGCHS, but I don't have a working printer and have had trouble making things work with my computer. I'll be joining as soon as I resolve that problem.

I've contacted the pet store where I usually shop and asked them to put up notices for people to contact their representatives. I'm going to contact the owner of another store and ask him to use his contacts as a businessman. What other efforts do we have planned?

I've heard that this effort was started by the animal rights extremist groups. Can you confirm that report? If so, that piece of information might help us to fight the bill by tying it to the anti-hunting and anti-research extremists.

Thanks,

Bill
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It's not how many snakes you have. It's how happy and healthy you can keep them.

The Louisiana House is expected to debate and vote on HB783 on Monday, April 10. You can call the House switchboard at 225-342-6945 and tell them that you OPPOSE HB738. It has NO support other than animal activist Pinkley Wood who asked Rep. Triche to sponser the bill. Triche has a history of submitting bills about owning animals. He is the poster child for term limits.
The Louisiana Gulf Coast Herpetological Society, Inc.

I don't live in Louisiana but i would like to call to show my suport is this ok? Brian
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1.2.0 ball python (aragorn, arwen,`eowyn)
1.0.0 100% het pied (frodo)
1.0.0 columbian boa (squiggles)
1.0.0 rat snake (alabastered)
0.1.0 corn snake (baby)
0.0.2 whites tree frog (trevor, kirmet)
0.0.5 pacific green tree frogs
3.2.0 cats (rockie, bs, brownie, lerrado, kole)
1.3.0 kids (dilyen, dakota, chyanne, sierra)
Brian n Chrissy
"snakes are kind of like potato chips, you cant have just one"

Absolutely! Call 225-342-6945 and tell them that you won't be coming to Louisiana to visit for business or pleasure if HB783 becomes law. Thank you very much for your interest.
~Bill Watts~ LGCHS Secretary
The Louisiana Gulf Coast Herpetological Society, Inc.

One more question and yes I will call. Do you think this was influenced by the show on animal planet called "The Big Squeeze"
or was this already in the works before it was put on the air?
Just wondering because I see people getting scared and using this show as an excuse to start things like this. Thank You Brian
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1.2.0 ball python (aragorn, arwen,`eowyn)
1.0.0 100% het pied (frodo)
1.0.0 columbian boa (squiggles)
1.0.0 rat snake (alabastered)
0.1.0 corn snake (baby)
0.0.2 whites tree frog (trevor, kirmet)
0.0.5 pacific green tree frogs
3.2.0 cats (rockie, bs, brownie, lerrado, kole)
1.3.0 kids (dilyen, dakota, chyanne, sierra)
Brian n Chrissy
"snakes are kind of like potato chips, you cant have just one"

I don't know about the influence of the "Big Squeeze". However, the HSUS is on record as being for the bill. No surprise there. HB783 was introduced as a continuation of animal activists being a source of irritation. ~Bill~

We need to fight this more vigorously.

Author: TRICHE Status:

NOTICE GIVEN SUBJECT TO CALL - HOUSE FINAL PASSAGE
Updated: 4/10/2006
Summary: WILDLIFE & FISHERIES: Requires the Wildlife and Fisheries Commission to control importation and ownership of non-indigenous constrictor snakes
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http://www.theherpzone.com

Eric, The LGCHS Legislative Committee has been to Baton Rouge to appear before the House Natural Resource Committee. HB783 is being vigorously opposed. Our members have been contacting their Legislators and friends to let them know that we oppose the bill. Only Pinckney Wood, an animal activist, supports the bill. Let me know if you want to be on our email contact list.
~Bill Watts~ LGCHS Secretary

Was this voted on yesterday or does it take several days for the process?

It did was put back on the calendar until furthur notice. Not enough support. We need to keep the heat on... ~Bill~

I called a few reps and left messages that I oppose the bill. What other actions do you suggest? Do you suggest repeated calls?

We are going to have to start calling our State senators at 225-342-2040.

We have to beat this one in the state senate. We lost in the house today. Keep contacting friends to ask them to contact their senators.

Thanks,

Bill
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It's not how many snakes you have. It's how happy and healthy you can keep them.

I contacted Senator Boasso's office today. His assistant said that the bill is set to be appointed a commitee tomorrow at around 10 a.m., they will provide me with the list of senators on the committee at around 11 a.m. tomorrow. I will post the list here when I get it.

Keep fighting for our right to own snakes without the government looking over our shoulder. I really think these people have no idea of the scale of the reptile business and what type of resources it would take to fully enforce a bill such as this.

I have made my voice heard. Firm and unyielding, but not fanatical (important).

I contacted my Senator Donald Hines 225 342-2040 and Rep Herman Ray Hill and left adamant messages with my clear opposition to this bill. I was told that the bill had not reached the senate yet but that if and when it was my vote would be heard.

I tried to explain how these creatures are not like television has them portrayed, as supreme killer predators just waiting for the first oportunity to get out and eat our children. I also explained that this hobby/industry is reaching levels that make it one of the largest pet trades on the planet and that it is good for the LA ecomomy (polititians understand dollars and "cents", not reason and common "sense". I also reasoned that there are literally thousands of herpers in this state alone and millions countrywide and that we/they will not stand for these oppressive laws and that these laws are just plain unjust. I added that the law enforcement budgets would never be able to cover enforcing such a mundane and ridiculous (and I think I said communist in a light hearted way, lol) law.

I know my words fell on deaf ears,.. BUT,.. if more herpers make these calls the pressure and repetition will began to have an effect. Strength in numbers my fellow herpers,. strength in numbers. Just remember to not sound fanatical. Be reasonable and calm and just explain our position in a rational manner.

Good day to all. Thanks for the email Derek
Our Website

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David Beauchemin
High End Herps.Inc
http://HighEndHerps.com

I just sent you a copy of one of the e-mails that I'm sending to senators regarding this bill. I realize that there's nothing really that you can do with it, but I thought you might like knowing that other people are trying to generate pressure against this bill.

Thanks for contacting your legislators.

Bill
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It's not how many snakes you have. It's how happy and healthy you can keep them.

The bill has been assigned to the Senate Natural Resources Committee. Here is a list of senators to contact:

http://senate.legis.state.la.us/NaturalResources/Assignments.asp

Thanks for posting this URL. One of the senators, Mr. Craig Romero, is planning to run for the 3rd District U.S. House seat this year. He might be in a position to be particularly sensitive to the needs of the herp community. The fact that the guy who introduced the bill is in Thibodaux which is in the same district could be a problem or could help us.

Bill
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It's not how many snakes you have. It's how happy and healthy you can keep them.

I wrote all of the Senators on that list. Let's hope it makes a difference when it comes time for them to vote.
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David Beauchemin
High End Herps.Inc
http://HighEndHerps.com

Anything new on that house bill yet?

The bill passed the House easily. We're trying to mobilize opposition in the Senate. If you live here, please call your state senator as soon as possible.

Thanks,

Bill
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It's not how many snakes you have. It's how happy and healthy you can keep them.