Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Here is a link to the "Preliminary Invasiveness and Disease Risk
Annotations for Identified Non-native Animal
Species Imported to the United States, 2000-2004" table from the Defenders of Wildlife's Broken Screens paper.

http://www.[url ban]/resources/publications/programs_and_policy/international_conservation/broken_screens/preliminary_invasiveness_and_disease_risk_annotations_for_identified_non-native_animal_species_imported_into_u.s._,_2000-2004.pdf

There are all kinds of herps on here: dart frogs, some chameleons, some anoles, lots of geckos, lots of turtles etc. Not to mention all of the other kinds of animals including goldfish, guinea pigs, llamas, alpacas, and ostriches.

Tons of exotic pets and some very common pets are included in this list. Not saying they would ban all of these animals, but it potentially could happen.

What is the best way to warn others about this bill? All owners of pets should know about this. I know USARK sent out an email and I would assume PIJAC is working on getting something out but not everyone is a member of those organizations. With the animals listed, this is something that PetCo and Pets Mart should be very interested in. Even 4H and farms that raise animals for food (such as ostriches). There's a world of people that need to know about this. What's the best way to spread the word?

Talk to local newspapers, asking local petstores and feed shops if you can put up notices on their boards about this ban. Local radio stations can also mention it. (some of these may cost money). Talking with local humane societies, and vets. Post online in any affected pet related forums, bulletin boards, newsgroups and egroups.

If you have local ostrich farms, give them a call and ask if they heard of the proposed bill, if not tell them where they can read up about it or get their email and email the link to the bill.

If you are part of a reptile or other animal related group in your area, see if the group as a whole will want to do something in the local paper or news. Even if this hits a small audience, it is a way to get it out. Don't forget Universities and colleges, especially those that have RAT (Radio and Television Broadcasting) courses. Often the students will be happy to interview and do an article or news broadcast on the school radio etc. about this bill and how it can effect everyday people.

There are many ways to spread the word around. It all depends on how much work you want to do. As this bill affects many animals and not just reptiles, bringing it to the attention of interest groups involving those kinds of animals help too.
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PHLdyPayne

Is this just talking about importing?
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