Reptile & Amphibian Forums

just got off the phone with TPW , They said the info will be available for request...

so say goodby to silent partnerships, keeping your customers and contacts secret etc...
ExtremeHogs.com

I thought that there was some provision (maybe federal) that made it illegal to keep some records that would be discovered in open records or FOI. Anything that would be unfair from a business / competative point of view?

Am I rembering this correctly?

Lance
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Herp Conservation Unlimited

I thought there was also..
The only reason to police legal non-endangered cb animals is to see who is selling what to where. An easy way for those who are against us to compile a "sh!&" list of who to go after etc.. and what laws would affect us most..
we need to start some form of legal fund now!!
ExtremeHogs.com

You know, homeschoolers have a national legal defense. Not everyone is a fan of homeschooling and in its infancy, there was some legislature that threatened the families that pursued it. It seems that a lawyer organized a fund and a group (HSLDA) that would protect any active member and stay alert for strange bills afloat in state congresses. It's quite a powerhouse now and only costs $20-30 to join each year. They keep up with legislature, motivate people to letter writing, etc when needed, and defend any member, even if it's just a local school board matter.

Too bad herpers couldn't have a national defense organization such as this. A sympathetic politician, an awesome lawyer willing to travel, and members who would pay to support the fund and be willing to get involved politically. See, the difference is that homeschoolers are very active politically. I'm not sure if the average herper pulls the same weight. HSUS members are very active politically as is the average person who is sympathetic to 'animal rights'. The stereotypical herper that the public sees (not all, mind you) is that individual who is a little different and bucks the system.

Just some rambling thoughts with my morning coffee....

It bothers me to see the way all of this legislation is going. People were so concerned about the Patriot Act and seeing your library records, but think nothing of the time, $$$, and rights lost by regulating parakeets and lizards.

This is one goal of the HCU.. and why more state chapters are needed. It would be very very difficult for one group to monitor all 50 states.

The plan is to keep in contact with state reps and watch for anything that can impact herpers. The end goal is to keep any new legislation reasonable and backed by good science, studies and need and head off anything else. It is also possible to lobby for some change with these same contacts, and it helps to have a well known active and respected membership.

But we need more people outside of TX to found chapters to have a really solid impact.

Lance
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Herp Conservation Unlimited