Look, this discussion has gone on too long and become far too negative… At a time when the Herp Community is facing more serious threats to it’s viability than ever before, people need to stick together and work together or we are all doomed to destruction. While we fight with each other over whose animals are more suited to captivity, HSUS & API are raising MONEY and hiring LOBBYISTS! We are making it far too easy for them to EXECUTE the classic strategy of DIVIDE & CONQUER!! We are a small community.. We ALL need to pull together if our hobby and business is going to survive.
At the FEDERAL level we are ALL threatened by USFWS Notice of Inquiry. The notice is now being processed and could move forward as a possible Rule Change to the Lacey Act; adding ALL Boa, Python & Eunectes to the ‘Injurious Wildlife’ list. At the same time, this summer, HR6311 was introduced into the US House of Representatives as a way to go around the possible changes to the Lacey Act (which could take 4 years). If passed the way it is currently written it would BAN the Import of MANY, MANY reptiles and amphibians, including ALL Boa, Python & Eunectes… not only that, it would BAN the Purchase, Sale, Trade and Breeding of ALL species named in the list created by the Bill. That would destroy ALL of us!!!
I have been in this business for over 40 years. In my humble opinion if we don’t stop fighting with each other we are doomed. We need to pull together and fight to save our community. Our only hope is to come together and use the tools that PIJAC and USARK are providing us.. PIJAC has the contacts in Washington and years of experience lobbying for the pet industry.. USARK is creating a massive grassroots campaign to bring the masses of the Herp community to the fight. USARK is also positioned well to tackle issues such as what is going on in VA at the state level. I know some have worried that these two groups will duplicate each others efforts. Nothing could be farther from the truth. PIJAC and USARK actually compliment each other and are the only hope for salvation our industry has. I invited Andrew Wyatt from USARK down to my place for three days this week. He has convinced me that together PIJAC and USARK can provide the ‘1- 2 PUNCH of Grass Roots Politics’ and High Level Lobbying activities that can bring us ALL together to save the Reptile Industry and Community.
PLEASE don’t fall into the downward spiral criticizing each other will bring… Lets ALL come together and SAVE ourselves from destruction. If you want to know more about how to get involved with PIJAC and USARK… PM me… TOM CRUTCHFIELD
