Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Well, there is always talk of how we can police ourselves, but no one ever does anything.
I have been in the industry for roughly 7 years, and I have tried to help with nraac. PIJAC seems to be the best way to go at this point, however the only way to get PIJAC to work for us, is to actually participate!
The internet, Kingsnake.com, [bleep], as well as many other websites have given people who normally wouldn't be able to sell animals in the capacity that they do, the ability to do just that, sell nationwide.
While one has to admit, that a lot of us wouldn't be where we were today without the internet, it has also allowed people that should not be successful, to rip off innocent consumers, as well as build a business that "looks" quite large, and stable, when in fact, there is no stability whatsoever.
Everyone has to step up, contribute, and get something done, before a government official, who really doesn't know about our industry, places broad blanket laws on us, that ruin our industry, our rights, and our love.
You may think that just you cannot make a difference, however, the reason NRAAC didn't fly is that it had no monetary backing. Even though it had Thousands and thousands of members, those members did not want to donate or contribute monetarily. If this is still the case, then I think that we might as well go to collecting goldfish, as we will never succeed.
Here in Florida, we have an organization which uses the large distributors of tropical fish to govern itself. This is what we need for reptiles.
PIJAC is trying to set up a National reptile plan, it can be viewed at:
http://pijac.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=225
I have included this link at the bottom. Dues are based on yearly sales, so Please please please join this, so we can keep doing what we love to do.

Without rambling on so much, I would be very interested in talking on a one to one basis with you guys on this. If we can pool together some big wholesalers, distributors, and top breeders with this plan, we can make it work.

Happy herpin
TOM
PIJAC reptile plan

What if you are a non-profit, particularly a non-profit not making money? What would your dues be?

Katrina

Well, you will have to read up more, however the link below is to the general online form page of pijac, it has dues, and the way to figure them out right in there.
Thanks for the response.
TOM
PIJAC sign up page.

$100 is too much for non-profits. Affliliate would be ok.

Cindy

I agree Cindy . In my opinion the max should be 50.00 . Not every Society has the money in the coffer to afford 100.00 . Rescues would also have a hard time with it too because of the expenses they have getting supplies for the animals in their care .

Kevin
NAROA

Maybe we can get somewhere by this, however is it even worth the time and effort for me to try to get this changed? I will definately try no matter what, however, in the past, herpers seem to be about the laziest in any industry at standing up for their rights.
I mean, come on. How many times do some of us log onto these boards and see someone all ticked off sayin how they were screwed in some way, just to leave their problems on this website or some other.
It is past time to get something done! I will keep everyone updated on my progress in getting that price decreased
TOM

Rescues are different from the average herper by far. I've been to the state capital to testify at two different hearings in order to allow turtle breeding in MD for the first time in ten years, as well as write my legislators and DNR. I've attending a meeting with DNR this year to discuss their proposed changes to reptile regulations. I've also been to the capital to lobby for a felony animal cruelty bill as well - general animal welfare in addition to reptile welfare. Herp rescues educate the public at libraries, agricultural events, nature centers, reptile shows, on TV and radio, and humane events. I've already done at least eight educational events this year, at my own time and expense, not to count home checks, picking up owner surrenders, investigating pet stores, helping with transports from animal shelters, and taking rescued animals to the vet.

If you want a group that will get things done, you want rescue. The same goes for herp societies - some can't afford any extra expense.

Katrina

Posted by: zoologicalsupply at Tue Aug 26 13:13:30 2003
Maybe we can get somewhere by this, however is it even worth the time and effort for me to try to get this changed? I will definately try no matter what, however, in the past, herpers seem to be about the laziest in any industry at standing up for their rights.
I mean, come on. How many times do some of us log onto these boards and see someone all ticked off sayin how they were screwed in some way, just to leave their problems on this website or some other.
It is past time to get something done! I will keep everyone updated on my progress in getting that price decreased
TOM