Reptile & Amphibian Forums

http://www.legislature.state.oh.us/bills.cfm?ID=126_HB_0643

Check it out, read thourougly.

Todd

...if pet stores will stop carrying green iguanas.

They'll have to if they don't intend to get a license. Do you know HOW MANY PEOPLE in Ohio are going to be PISSED if this passes?

I wonder if they will use average sizes or record size? That is something that could make a big difference.

it says "the potential to reach." If the record is above 8'...

...is the requirement that you publish your name, address, and a list of what you have in the newspaper. It seems to me that there is the potential of creating a laundry list for a burglar.

Todd

It says that you would need signs along the edge of property, spaced every 10 feet, that say you have an exotic or dangerous animal on the premises. Can you imagine if everyone with an iquana or a boa had to put these up. Not to mention the thought that they could just decide not to renew your permit on your 15 year old boa, and you would have to give it up to a shelter or euthanize it.

I don't think a 6' boa shold be classified the same as a tiger or a HIPPO!!!

So has this been passed? I just invested a lot of money in Boa Constrictor Imperator morphs for future breeding. It also says that these "exotics" can't be bred. Imperator females can get up to 9' but those would be the exception. BCC's can get much larger...not sure how they define this stuff.

This bill was just introduced at the begining of the month. It will still have to go to comittee, back to the House for vote, then to the Senate for vote. Then it would go to the Governor.

Todd

However, it will most likely be re-introduced in November. We managed to put some roadblocks out to help slow this one down. Jay Hottinger is going to help us stop the bill in the next go-round.

Chris
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My Website
www.herpfanatic.com

Haven't heard from you in a while. How are things going?

Take care,

Todd

Not too bad Todd, how have things been with you? I have been lurking this forum every day just about, but haven't seen any action until recently. Hope all is well!

Chris

>>Haven't heard from you in a while. How are things going?
>>
>>Take care,
>>
>>Todd
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My Website
www.herpfanatic.com

Actually it says that you can only be counted as an exotic animal shelter or some such if you don't breed them. You can breed them legally, you just have to have a permit (regardless of the number). At least its not getting passed this year.

We can't let this be passed unless it is changed I mean I understand not being allowed to own tigers but I mean Iguanas, boas and moniters, everyone has those I mean for cripes sakes, when was the last time you heard of someone being mauled and killed by an iguana? And whats the point of putting signs up its not like a moniter lizard is going to escape and run rampent through your neighborhood killing people. More people have been killed/injured by dogs and cats in the last 2 months than people have recieved even a minor injury from a reptile (exclude crocodiles from other countries.) Plus there is no way to enforce that law, Do you know how many people own iquanas, monitors and boids in Ohio, ALOT they sell like 2 boa constrictors a week at the petstore I go to.

Sorry for my rants but I think that they pretty much hit the nail on the head.
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0.1.0 Sonoran Gophersnake
0.0.1 Brown Banded Watersnake
1.0.0 American Toad
0.0.1 Bright Red Woodfrog

Bottom line is this, we are ALL in this together. When it comes to AR Activists, the people keeping corn snakes are just as bad as those keeping mountain lions. I personally work at a wildcat sanctuary where very safe handling protocols are utilized to prevent any injury, furthermore, caging is done properly with lockouts as well as a full perimeter fence to prevent ANY escapes. The fact of the matter is that if one person has the right to keep one type of animal, then another should not be put out on theirs. I think that some adjustments to the law to make things more strict on people who allow their animals to escape and injure another person wouldnt be a bad idea, but a ban on ANYTHING is completely unacceptable. We already have laws in place to cover such issues, we just have to enforce them.

It should be through education that we try to prevent the ownership of Large cats, venomous snakes, crocodilians and anything else that can possibly take human life to anyone other than those willing to do the proper research, and get the proper experience before acquiring the animal.

Chris
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My Website
www.herpfanatic.com

I admit much of this is a little crazy, (posting in newspaper, signs on property, green iguanas, etc) but at least it does not appear to be an outright ban. I am also happy to see crotalids were left off of the list (unless I somehow just skipped over them). It seems that at least some people are putting some thought into this or willing to listen to a little reason. What I would like to see is a little more instruction on what it takes to actually recieve a permit. Will there be more specific criteria an applicant must meet or will the man in charge just pull names out of a hat? I may have skipped over this too, but if you are permitted, are you still allowed to purchase more animals, breed, sell, ect? It seemed that you could... I would also like to see how much these yearly costs will run.

I will probably be in the minority on this one, but it seems to at least be a step in the right direction. I am all for a permit system, as long as it remains reasonable. After hearing over and over again that OH would never adopt a permit system, maybe things are coming around. Faced with an all out ban, I find a permit system a much more reasonable alternative. As this Bill reads currently, I do not find it reasonable. If some of the crazy stuff was cut out, and some of its other parts were better defined, it could start to move a little closer to a welcome alternative to an all out ban. One thing I do not want to see is for this to get passed and then permits are only given out to the select few with AZA/"professional" connections. The private herp community should still be very much able to RESPONSIBLY maintain their collections.

I really like that crotalids are left off. The ability to treat any crotalid envenomation being not very different to a copperhead/timber/sauga bite there is no reason to not allow the keeping of other snakes native to the US. Unfortunately, I can see where problems could arise. There is no mention of some of the more dangerous vipers for example. I would have no problem seeing some of these other snakes fall under the permit system, but only if many changes are made and it becomes a little more reasonable.

Things are still pretty crazy, but I feel they are less crazy than a year ago?

I figure I am with the minority with much of this. I just want to make it clear I am fully against any form of ban, and just as much against an unreasonable permit system. If this dissapears then I will be as happy as the next guy, but if some form of law is unstoppable, then I can easily support a reasonable permit system.

Jason
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www.buckeyeherps.com

If it is not speciffically addressed in the bill, then ODNR will set the criteria. I think that carrying $250,000 liability insurance and signage, with the security measures is a bit overkill for someone that may only have one large JCP, or an animal of that nature. I also feel that the publishing what you have, with your address, may create a problem as far as burglary. I'm not opposed to reasonable legislation, but there are some things that need to be fixed in this one. As far as the family viperinae, I'm not sure why that wasn't included, especially since the last three deaths I've heard of were caused by urutus, and a rhino.

Todd

Todd,

I agree completely with all of your points... As it stands, this is not a reasonable option. I do have some hope though, as I feel the bill came a long way from what was proposed last year. I am shocked they even really agreed to a permit system. I hope the lines of communication between the two groups can stay open.

Jason
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www.buckeyeherps.com

Your right, Jason. I think as long as everyone on our end stays reasonable (I believe you know whom I'm refering to), I think we can get palatable legislation.

Todd

Having the ODNR regulate is NOT a good idea. ODNR has no jurisdiction over anything non native, and that is the way it should be. If anyone would like to see what this bill will do to Ohio, check out what is happening in PA. I raise savannah cats, so this directly affects me. Being that they are a serval hybrid, they will not be able to be bred either, even if 99% domestic blood. I have $20,000 wrapped up in my breeding animals, as well as unmeasurable enjoyment, that I will not be allowed to continue. This is an animal rights written law, and no one should support it on any level. Truly, no one should even support a liscense system. This is our private property. There are already laws in place to punish those that allow their animals to injure others, there is no need for this bill, just furthur enforcment of laws already in place.

I think this bill stinks. You can have rattlesnakes, but not boa constrictors? What the heck is that? I am assuming a lot here, but I can see them saying that Boa Constrictor Imperator and Boa Constrictor Constrictor would both need permits. Have there ever been deaths attributed to these? I can see retics, african rock pythons, Burmese Pythons and the LARGE BCC species, but the common boa constrictor is a great pet snake. Any thoughts? I just don't see a lot of detail with regard to Boids.

John

I try to not post on this site until after I join (I plan to), but I wanted to weigh in on the subject.

There are laws already on the books that cover any reasonable animal control concern. If any reasonable concern is not adequately covered, much simpler modification of existing law is needed, nothing like this proposal is waranted. If public safety from dangerous animals needs to be increased, the level of seriousness of the penalty or consequences for failure to control resulting in harm, needs to be increased. If a neighbor has a king cobra escape and kill a toddler, I would support a murder charge.

This proposed bill specifies armadillos and prarie dogs, but leaves out dogs, bulls, ostriches, certain invertabrates and many more potentially dangerous animals (and there are dangerous plants). This legislation is not designed to protect the public from the listed species; it is designed to start dividing off those interested in those species from the majority of animal owners. It then gives the state precendent authority to take control of additional species. I don't want mambas next door to my kids, and I live in a community where they are illeagal by local municiple ordinance (They are not specified, just venomous animals are).

This proposed bill is designed to create a large, new or expanded government entity funded by the permit fees and penalties it generates. Its agents will be motivated by job security to set fees as high as possible and find as many ways to generate penalties as possile.

The ODNR folks have had their own operations given priority over our constitutional rights by state law already. My last inspection for my native animal permit had been in progress for over an hour before I could get here to observe. I would hate to see their powers expanded.

I do think the current laws regarding native herps, although flawed, are helping protect our native herps from collection.

I think everyone who has or wants ANY inverts, amphibians, reptiles, birds or mammals of any kind, should work to stop bills like this if they wish to continue the right to possess any animals of the kind.

Jamie Weilbacher
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Jamie W.

(url)http://rosyboas.tripod.com(/url)

I think that if this does pass they will start adding stuff to it. Why can't they use what is on the books now. I agree fight the whole thing not hellp right it.

Do we just sit back and see if it passes or is there something we can do about it?
T

I know we have a HUGE group in Ohio that could make our opinion heard, but we need to have someone with working knowledge of the system to help get us started. Can someone get us the correct info on whom to write/call to express our distain for this bill? Let's nip this in the bud.

Well you could start by writing your representative from your district. First look and see if they are a Republican or Democrat. If they are a Republican you could stress the importance of personal responsibility and that the increased legislation will only hurt small business in Ohio, and treats law abiding citizens like would be criminals. If they are a Democrat stress that the proposed bill has problems with privacy, and you could throw in some comparisons with federal actions and privacy. Either way make sure that they know this issue is not something that no one cares about.

"(3) Post and display at intervals of ten feet along the boundary of the property where each dangerous wild animal or exotic animal is confined signs warning the public that a dangerous wild animal or an exotic animal is on the property. The signs shall comply with standards established in rules adopted under section 1534.10 of the Revised Code.

(8) Not later than thirty days after receipt of the permit, publish notice of the receipt of the permit in a newspaper of general circulation in the county where the permit holder keeps dangerous wild animals or exotic animals. The notice shall include information concerning the species of dangerous wild animals or exotic animals possessed by the permit holder and the number of each species possessed by the permit holder."

The above sections of this law resemble the compliance policies of registered sex offenders.

Privacy is a huge issue in our nation. These sections violate privacy of herpetoculturalists, and attach a stigma to hobbyists that is both negative and unfair.

This "right to know law" is clearly fear based and discriminitory towards hobbyists keeping the exotic reptiles listed.

Neil

Don't need to post signs on there property.

Just thought I would mention this because it pertains to the point at hand. Again, I am against legislation, and I am very much so against the poorly written bill above. That being said, because of incidents like these, legislation will happen, and I have no problem backing a WELL WRITTEN permit system. People have already pointed out what is wrong with the above bill and I agree with all of it. If all of that crap was cut out, and it required a yearly fine, some home checks, registering your animals, proof of training (like florida or falconers) and access to AV for exotics (NOT ZOOS) then would you all still be against it? I can't talk about anything other than reptiles because I just don't have the experience. But seriously, I bet if you asked all the keepers in the states that have lost their place in this hobby, I bet they would jump at the chance and helping to draft a well written permit system.

Anyway, about the bite. I guess it was on the Cinci news and I don't really have any details yet. But my roommates say a large python latched on to a girl and she was admited to the ED for stitches and possibly some surgery. They might have been playing a huge prank on me, which wouldn't really be suprising, they do it all the time... but watch the papers tomorrow just in case.

Jason
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www.buckeyeherps.com

Jason,

Even if this story is true and the girl had to have stitches, how many dogs cause people to have to get stitches in this state? I bet the occurrence has MUCH greater volume than injuries caused by large constrictors. I agree that very large pythons can cause harm or even death in some cases, but blanket legislation for those that "have the potential to exceed 8'" doesn't seem logical. I do have problems with novice keepers being able to buy retics and burms at pet stores, but I am very concerned with the lack of specificity in this bill. Given for what it is now, a person could keep a Western diamondback, but not a Boa Constrictor. They could keep a malayan pit viper, but not a jungle carpet python. Just makes no sense. I will be writing every person that sponsored and proposed this bill and letting them know my opinion.

John Bortel

John,

We are on the same side, I am just trying to point out the sad truth of things. The bite did happen, but luckily there was no real press involved.

The dog comparison is valid, but unfortunately it really holds no water. The problem is not the relative danger of the animals, it is the percieved danger. We all know how the public feels about such matters. That being said, Cinci has a ban on dangerous animals, which also includes a few breeds of dogs.

You are right though, the bill as written does not make much sense. One of the major problems with some of these animals though is the "cool" factor. I say some because a few of the animals on the list do not desearve to be there. The sad truth is many of the problems that get press are due to the irresponsibility of people who have no business keeping some of the more "difficult" animals that are on the list. I encourage people who have taken the time, spent the money, and learned how to properly manage and care for these animals to do. I would hate to see these great people loose the ability to do what they love. That is why I think a permit system, made with the input of these people, is one of our only remaining options. The question is not really IF things will be banned, but WHEN. I would like to put off all legislation as long as possible, but when the next bite/attack happens, it might be too late.

I really don't have the answers... I am just kind of thinking out loud here.

Jason
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www.buckeyeherps.com

Yes the story is true, it happened here in my home town of Hamilton. Let me tell you what she did wrong...she just got a 13 foot albino burmese, after only having it three days she fed it in her bath tub. She was handeling the snake by herself, which you never do with any snake over 8 feet. She tried to move the snake immidiatley after feeding, and I am willing to bet that she still had the scent of the rats on her hands or clothing. Pythons do not have the best vison and go mainly on scent. If you smell like food you are food. She did claim that on the news she had other snakes of smaller size. You have be educated on any creature that you get, a large snake is different than a small one. I have 2 burms myself and several other smaller snakes, I handle them each differently, according to their dispostion. It is people like this who makes it bad for the rest of us who do our homework and learn about the creature before we get it. You wouldn't get a salt water aquarium without knowing how to take care of it first would you? Why would you get a large python without learning how to handle it first?

To be clear, I believe we are saying the same thing. Just wanted to give some ammo to those that would use the python bite incident(if true) to say we need tought legislation on exotics.

John

Actually, John, I just did my research. I mean...its only from '98 to '99, but the statistics should be similar. 27 dog-bite related deaths vs. 15 snake-bite related deaths. Hmmmmmmm. And so what if she WAS bitten by a snake? People get bitten by dogs ALL the time, but snakes have a VERY NEGATIVE connotation in this culture, so we immediately think, SNAKES ARE BAD AND NEED TO BE DONE AWAY WITH. In reality, I'm sure the python had a good reason to bite the brat. Just as a dog would have a good reason. I mean...imagine if she'd provoked a pit bull or mastiff or something. MUCH more dangerous than an 8' boa.

This stinks. I mean...seriously. Look at all the animals listed as "dangerous." The SLOTH? Is it going to grow algae at you? An Armadillo might roll-into-a-ball-you to death. An 8' boid is not a serious concern. A 15-20' boid maybe. Its nice to note that they included PRAIRIE DOGS but not crocodilians. I mean...ya know. As long as they have our SAFETY on mind. Not to mention that after the initial permit is passed, as long as you HAVE the permit, no further paperwork is required to acquire more exotic/dangerous animals until the 1st of December.

Lets not forget not to piss off the Cheif. He has to give you WRITTEN PERMISSION in order for you to forego putting up a 6' high fence around the perimeter of your house (8' if he thinks something is deadly). Not that its going to stop a 20' boid, anyway. Or a big cat. Or an elephant. Or any number of the things discussed. Aside from the sloth, the armadillo, and the prairie dogs.

I think its apparent that this bill is not being proposed for the well-being of pet hobbyists, their animals, or their neighbors. As the Chief can make his fee for this permit WHATEVER HE WANTS (according to the bill being discussed), I find it HIGHLY unlikely that they will turn down many people who desire to keep an exotic animal - they just want to get yet another tax out of it. You will, afterall, note that there is a renewal fee every year on the first of December, along with another batch of beauracracy (including the given name of your animal - because calling Mr. Tibbs the Rhinoceros will stop him from charging, right?). As for animals being dangerous, so are dogs. In fact, in 1998 and '99, 27 deaths occured due to dogs; compared to only 15 deaths from snakes. Hmmmmmm....But YET there are no real restrictions on dogs...So what's the deal?

And I believe that this is already the law if you're within the city limits of Columbus? I think I read that in a newspaper. Some of it was different (no signs), but basically its the same deal. Only this will be all over Ohio.

Squid,

I am not saying these are the "right" reasons, but some of the animals are listed not for their true danger, but instead because of certain pathogens that they carry. Prarie dogs are known to harbor certain bugs that one would not want to acquire (tularemia, monkeypox and the plague). Armadillos are one of the only animals known to be infected with leprosy. There really is no good data showing they can transmit it to humans, but unfortunately, the fear is there...

I would also like to know where you obtained your snakebite data from? Does this contain just deaths due to captive animals? I know some studies show that there are an average of 10-15 deaths due to snake envenomation each year, although I think this data may not include deaths attributed to captive animals. I would imagine there are a more than a few of these each year as well. Considering the data says there are around 8000 snake bites anually in the US (not sure if I but that number though...) the survival rate is quite high, but deaths do happen.

Jason

http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/EID/vol10no3/04-0045.htm
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www.buckeyeherps.com

Point being? Mosquitos carry malaria. I mean, you're not going to keep them as pets, but so what? And if the fact that animals carry disease is the reason that these animals are 'dangerous' then perhaps we should just make it illegal to own animals at all. Dogs can carry rabies, cats can carry all sorts of things. Just because something has the POTENTIAL to carry a disease doesn't mean we should live in fear of it, nor does it mean that the animal will ever get that disease, especially if kept captive.

All I am saying is that they are on there for a reason, now whether or not it is a good one is up for discussion. They are not the innocent animals you made them out to be. I also think people are going to freak out a little more when the plague and monkeypox (related to smallpox) are involved, and for good reason. Tularemia is also not something I ever want to come in contact with, although I am sure I will cross its path someday soon.

I admit the leprosy/armidillo thing is sketchy at best. The relationship between the other diseases and their hosts is not something to minimize, especially in the pet trade. You would be suprised at how many people actually do still get the plague, and many of them have a direct association to prairie dogs. This is very different to rabies in captive dogs, which is probably quite rare.

Again, I am not saying I agree with these as reasons, I am just pointing out the fact that I can understand why they would scare other people who might not really understand, or even be told all the facts. You mention the plague in relation to a pet, and it is very easy to understand why people would really freak out...

And thanks for completely proving my point with the mosquito thing. Malaria isn't exactly common in North America so that would never really be an issue now would it? On the other hand, the west nile crisis really freaked the crap out of people and led to countless kneejerk responses in draining local wetlands, spraying harsh chemicals, made the news everyday, etc etc. Although this has died down, people are still afraid of west nile, a virus that really doesn't pose much of a danger to the average healthy individual.

My point is I am suprised much less by the inclusion or lack of some of the other animals on the list, and not so much by the prairie dogs. Does that make this bill a good thing? Of course not.

Jason
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www.buckeyeherps.com

Good points.

Still, the bill states that the animals' inherent nature makes them dangerous, which would mean that the diseases they could carry are a moot point, as disease is not part of the inherent nature of an animal.

Good point as well. I will agree with that statement completely. Unfortunately, how ever the bill is worded, I would be willing to bet my arm the big reason for them being on the list is because of their major role in the epidemiology of pathogens.

Jason
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www.buckeyeherps.com

I only care about how this affects me. I don't care what loops someone needs to jump through to own a hippo or a prarie dog. What I do care about is the way animal #33 is defined, as any boid that has the potential to reach 8". This is very vague in its description.

Do subspecies or locality matter? What about dwarf forms of otherwise larger species? Plus, what DNR person do you know of that knows all of the boas and pythons that can reach 8', and can correctly ID them as babies? I don't think there are many, hell I know I can't.

I would much rather have a permit system than being cut off all together. But it would be nice if they would just name the species that they are concerned with. I doubt that the people who drew up this bill had amazon tree boas in mind, more like retics. Hopefully by if this ever does make it to law, the list will be dwindled down with regards to reptiles.

If it does make it to law, then everyone should apply ASAP.

Garweft -

I kinda feel the same way, but then when I think about I realize that method of thinking will only lead to disaster. I don't keep a single species on that list, yet I am still very willing to fight to maintain our priveledges. Really, I only care about reptiles, but I understand for us to have a change in fighting this, all exotic keepers must work together as a larger force. I also think the only way for a permit system to really work or be considered is if everything is included together. Money talks sadly, and it sucks we might have to pay to play, much like highschool sports now a days, but if you want to be able to participate you have to fork out some dough. If there is enough dough moving around, people will pay more attention and be more willing to help fight for our rights. If DNR thought they could generate some much needed revenue out of this, they might be more willing to help fight for us, and not against. Granted, that could be wishful thinking, but I think the more money involved the better.

The thought that one would have to do everything this bill talks about for many of the species on there is extremely laughable. They should be limiting the regulations for boids to the "big 5" in my opinion. The whole 8 feet thing is just rediculous...

Maybe if I get some time I will type up my "improved" version of their bill and see what people think. I would love the criticism from everyone here and would be more than happy to discuss why I felt certain changes were or were not warranted.

Jason
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www.buckeyeherps.com

I do agree with you that a permit is better than nothing. If the fee is not to large, and they get rid of the public notice, it is not much different than a dog licence. And my dog has one of those.

Well one good thing could come from an all out ban...

I would have more time to field herp. I might even get as good as you!

Portage Co.

I've sent letters to all of the sponsers, our governor, congressmen and senators. (Not just rants) I went over each aspect of the bill and what was bad about it and why it should be excluded or changed.

Also anyone that is a good speaker I found this, http://www.house.state.oh.us/jsps/Voice.jsp it tells were meetings are held and what not, if they are in my area I will go.
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0.1.0 Sonoran Gophersnake
0.0.1 Brown Banded Watersnake
1.0.0 American Toad
0.0.1 Bright Red Woodfrog

I just get lucky from time to time. Next time I am in the NE OH area we should try and get together and turn some stuff up. Maybe in the next month or two.

Jason
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www.buckeyeherps.com

if they keep going the way they are feild herping will be next pretty soon if the librals get there way we wont be able to pass wind with out there promission

well heres what i could dig up.... hope this helps.

here are your representitives:
http://www.house.state.oh.us/jsps/SearchbyName.jsp

here are the ones concerning 643:

L. George Distel (D)
District 99
Address:
77 S. High St
10th Floor
Columbus, OH 43215-6111
Telephone: (614) 466-1405
Fax : (614) 719-6999
Email Address: district99@ohr.state.oh.us
Term in Office: 4th (This includes appointed and elected terms)

City: Conneaut

Occupation: Full-time Legislator

Education: Alliance College, B.A. in History, Political Science

primary sponsor: 126 hb 643
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Kathleen Chandler (D)
District 68
Address:
77 S. High St
10th Floor
Columbus, OH 43215-6111
Telephone: (614) 466-2004
Fax : (614) 719-3968
Email Address: district68@ohr.state.oh.us
Term in Office: 2nd

City: Kent

Occupation: Full-time Legislator

Education: B.A., Michigan State University; M.A., Michigan State University; M.P.A., Kent State University

co sponsor: 126 hb 643

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Timothy J. DeGeeter (D)
District 15
Address:
77 S. High St
10th Floor
Columbus, OH 43215-6111
Telephone: (614) 466-3485
Fax : (614) 719-3911
Email Address: district15@ohr.state.oh.us
Term in Office: 2nd (This includes appointed and elected terms)

City: Parma

Occupation: Attorney, Private Practice

Education: Attended Holy Cross College, South Bend, Indiana; B.A. in Political Science, John Carroll University; J.D., Cleveland Marshall College of Law

co sponsor: 126 hb 643
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Lorraine M. Fende (D)
District 62
Address:
77 S. High St
11th Floor
Columbus, OH 43215-6111
Telephone: (614) 466-7251
Fax : (614) 719-3962
Email Address: district62@ohr.state.oh.us
Term in Office: 1st

City: Willowick

Occupation: Director of Program Development, Lake County Chapter of the American Red Cross

Education: Bachelors degree from Ohio University; additional education in Law Enforcement and EMT training at Lakeland Community College

co sponsor: 126 hb 643
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Mike Foley (D)
District 14
Address:
77 S. High St
10th Floor
Columbus, OH 43215-6111
Telephone: (614) 466-3350
Fax : (614) 719-3910
Email Address: district14@ohr.state.oh.us
Term in Office: 1st (This includes appointed and elected terms)

City: Cleveland

Occupation: Full-time legislator

Education: B.A. in philosophy, University of Dayton (1985); J.D., Cleveland Marshall College of Law (1995)

co sponsor: 126 hb 643
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Bill Hartnett (D)
District 73
Address:
77 S. High St
10th Floor
Columbus, OH 43215-6111
Telephone: (614) 466-5802
Fax : (614) 719-3973
Email Address: district73@ohr.state.oh.us
Term in Office: 5th (This includes appointed and elected terms)

City: Mansfield

Occupation: Full-time Legislator

Education: B.S. in Education, Kent State University; M.A. in Education, West Virginia University; Ed.S, Kent State

co sponsor: 126 hb 643
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Joseph Koziura (D)
District 56
Address:
77 S. High St
10th Floor
Columbus, OH 43215-6111
Telephone: (614) 466-5141
Fax : (614) 719-3956
Email Address: district56@ohr.state.oh.us
Term in Office: 9th

City: Lorain

Occupation: Investment Advisor/Stock Broker

co sponsor: 126 hb 643
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Jeanine Perry (D)
District 49
Address:
77 S. High St
10th Floor
Columbus, OH 43215-6111
Telephone: (614) 466-1418
Fax : (614) 719-6949
Email Address: district49@ohr.state.oh.us
Term in Office: 4th

City: Toledo

Occupation: Full-time Legislator

Education: Bachelor of Education, University of Toledo

co sponsor: 126 hb 643
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Peter S. Ujvagi (D)
District 47
Address:
77 S. High St
11th Floor
Columbus, OH 43215-6111
Telephone: (614) 644-6017
Fax : (614) 719-6947
Email Address: district47@ohr.state.oh.us
Term in Office: 2nd

City: Toledo

Occupation: President, E & C Manufacturing Co., Inc.

Education: Attended University of Toledo - majored in Political Science and Economics

co sponsor: 126 hb 643
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Brian G. Williams (D)
District 41
Address:
77 S. High St
10th Floor
Columbus, OH 43215-6111
Telephone: (614) 644-5085
Fax : (614) 719-6941
Email Address: district41@ohr.state.oh.us
Term in Office: 1st

City: Akron

Occupation: Retired Educator

Education: B.S., University of Akron; M.S., University of Akron

co sponsor: 126 hb 643
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aside from us all writing to our congressmen, there are other things we can do. i recommend well written literature be disseminated. educate folks. keep in mind that this may be picked up by someone who is not familiar or fond of snakes. explain that an 8 ft boa is not in the same category as a 30 ft retic. elaborate on the big 5 and stress that some experienced keepers are fully qualified to keep these giants. if one is qualified then it is wrong to outlaw their pets. contact every pet store that you can and get their permision to place this literature there. write letters to your local newspapers. pay to have it put in the newspaper if you have to. someone pays for everything that goes in the newspaper..... the point isnt to make people love exotic animals... but to make them want to preserve your rights. we fight to bring freedom to other countries so we can take it away from ourselves. when you start taking away peoples rights then where does it stop? guidence on how and where you can keep exotic animals is one thing, but an all out bann is rediculous!

The website lists places were you can give testimony at meetings discussing new bills, I suggest all people in the area go and give there statements.
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0.1.0 Sonoran Gophersnake
0.0.1 Brown Banded Watersnake
1.0.0 American Toad
0.0.1 Bright Red Woodfrog

how about an example letter that could be copyed and sent out

What I can't understand is that this supposed law is designed to help protect people. Let people know who has what in there house. It seems that most of the accidents happen to the owners of the animals, not their neighbors. Any of us how have snakes, have had one get out. We have usually found it by the fridge, the dryer, or the hot water heater. Also, boas are on the list and not pythons. That doesn't make any sense also. Or did I miss that one? I would have to have a permit for a green iguana, but not an el salvador iguana? Should I have to get a permit for my beagle as well? What about scorpions and tarantulas, aren't they exotic? I know more people who are afraid of my tarantulas than my snakes.
catwomen/Cheri

Actually boids include pythons.