Reptile & Amphibian Forums

there is a bill in the house 3437 that will list crocodilians as exotics and will only be available to non profit organizations.
They will be unavailable as pets and since our biggest rescue fascility in the state is not non profit what will happen to the crocs? This place as well as some smaller places do this out of pocket because we love animals. We do not need another bill from the government that hasn't got a clue what the animals need. Big worry if this passes is whats next?
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Does the term "non-profit" as written in the bill specifically define it as an IRS-recognized non-profit, like a 501(C)3?

If not, generally speaking, a non-profit corporation is not difficult to set up. Additionally, if the rescue facility is not changing much money (low budget) then the state and federal paperwork is not very difficult to do. The orgainzation may be able to get an accountant to file the annual paperwork as a tax-deductable contribution!

I run a non-profit 501(c)3 corporation in Florida (not related to animals, incidently) and the feds do not require paperwork if the budget is under $25,000.00, with a few exceptions. That amount is the 2006 number, I believe.

Not to sound preachy, but if the rescue facility takes its work seriously and is truly rescuing animals (and not sending them back into the general pet trade - is a GENUINE rescue), then, if the bill is passed, this is the obvious, and only answer.

In other words, a little paperwork is worth it for the benefit of the animals.

Feel free to email me or refer my name to this facility and I'll be happy to pass on whatever help I can.
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Israel Dupont
Winter Haven, FL

The rescue facility I was refering to does not resell animals back to the public but does allow the public to see them. They also do reptile shows. They are the only place that has room to house crocs. They will be forced to go no profit, if this bill passes. As you've said it's not hard to do (thank you for the info) but what you may not be aware of is if you are non profit the government can actually step in and decide what you will do with your animals. If they decide a health animal is to be euthanised then thats what happens or you'll be in violation and loose your permit. I appreciate your advice on acquiring non profit statis and it may not be bad for some. It does however give the government the upper hand. I personally don't like to see more government control but maybe its inevitable.
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2.5.0 Beardies
1.4.0 Box Turtles
0.1.0 Sulcata Tortoise
1.1.0 Russian Tortoises
1.3.0 Ball Pythons
2.1.0 corn snakes
0.1.0 great plains rat snake
1.1.0 Blue Beauty Snakes
1.0.0 Banana King snake
1.0.0 Desert King snake
1.1.0 kenyan sand boas
0.0.1 western hog nose
2.7.0 Guinea Piggies
3.6.0 Dumbo rats
1.0.0 Blue Front Amazon Parrot
0.1.0 Congo African Grey Parrot
1.1.0 house cats
2.0.0 Maine Coon Cats
2.0.0 Boxers