Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I know the inclusion of the text of HB 2414 is very important to all of us, but am I correct in understanding that HB 1309 text was also included in HB 12? To me, this is just as important - as an infringement on our rights to keep snakes - as HB 2414 is an infringement on our rights to exercise our hobby by collecting snakes! I just hope the text of HB 1309 doesn't get lost in the shuffle while everyone is distracted by the HB 2414 text. I hope we can include objection to this addition while we object to the HB 2414 text.
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Derek Moynihan
Fat, Flat Lizard Ranch

It only restricts non-native venomous and 5 species of large constrictor to people that get permits.

Not the old version that did any non-native venomous or constrictor... If you opposed it in any form, then yes it is back. If you settled for the moderate form, then you are OK.

At this point the real focus is on the bad version of 2414 that was revived.

It may be the "fixed" version (which is still wrong, in my opinion) but it is still the same dirty politics. It took a bill that was essentially dead in the Senate and revived it by sneaking it in. We SHOULD be just as concerned with that - regardless of whether it was the orignial version or the "fixed" one.
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Derek Moynihan
Fat, Flat Lizard Ranch

it just so happens the 2414 folks are the first on the scene, please rally the 1309 folks too, and anyone else that you can think of opposed to these bills.

I just talked to Tracy Barker on Saturday, and she said, "Hey did you hear that we beat 1309?" And I admitted that I hadn't heard that, being more focused on 2414, as of late. But anyhow, I was glad to hear that it WAS beat. And now this...
You know, I think we as herpers/snake keepers NEED TO STICK TOGETHER. I often see some indifference from a few of the gray-banders towards the large python/hot keepers and vice-versa. One infringement on one of our rights will only lead to more.

As someone wise once said, "The door to permissiveness usually only swings one way - wider."

DR
Suboc.com

dusty you are correct, we need to be unified. The 2414 guys had the same perception regarding the 1309 folks, regardless, this is better for all of us to be unified in the fight.

I was largely impartial on 1309, but I fully supported the breeders that went to Austin to testify, my impression was that they were not excited about the compromise but decided that it was "workable". Much better than an blanket ban on constrictors...

Same kind of thing with 2414, we would have rather oppose the legislation, but brokered a compromise that was actually somewhat favorable. Only to have that undone by one person and his rider.

I will put full support into whatever we need to do on both issues.... Neither one are needed for anything.

1309, safety issue is much more of a concern with tradtional livestock or the family dog.

2414, conservation is addressed in other measures, safety issue is not relevant.

don't keep "hots" or any of the five species of "large" constrictors included in 1309...BUT, this hobby is rapidly changing. It isn't so cut-and-dry as it used to be.

What about the super dwarf retics that stay under 6 feet as adults? What about dwarf burms? I imagine dwarfs of the other giants will soon pop up. It is unconstitutional to say that you can keep emporer boas that typically stay under 8 feet, but to rule out all retics - no matter the size potential.

My point is that there are many "breeds" and "races" and species that are safe that might be lumped in to the HB 12 (1309) text. What about Heterodon? They are technically mildly-veneomous. Will "experts" from the state decide that they are a permit-only species?
I surely don't want to leave it up to them. A bunch of so-called "snake experts" (animal officers) rom the DWR of Utah are being sued because they broke in and took like 60 rubber boas from a scientist here in Utah. Turns out that most of the snakes died within months, because, these wild-life "experts" didn't know SQUAT about how to take care of them.
A few months ago, I was talking to Mark Bell, and he said that we need to do what the poultry industry did to protect themselves from crappy legislation. They wrote up a breeder's guidelines packet to GOVERN THEMSELVES. I know some people are working on the reptile-side with PIJAC, but it doesn't seem to be in command yet, does it?
So, when the servant (those elected by the people to officiate) outgrows the master (the people), something needs to be done to put the servant in check.

DR