All,
Just listened to several of the testimonies sent out by Kingsnakes Herp Law Alert.
1. Precautionary Principle used to justify approach of guilty first until proven innocent.
2. Australia designed the approach that was adopted by Isreal. Isreal scientist gave presentation.
3. White and Black List terms used. Where have I heard that before?
4. Importer/collector must pay for risk assessment. This includes all research to make "approved list' including paying the regulatory agency and contractors to do the research. Did I mention my new business, species risk assessment?
5. The Isreal approach mentioned three tier system to evaluate non-natives:
high concern: only scientists for research
medium concern: zoos and "collectors"
low concern: general public
Using the word "collectors" and other similar words like "for captive breeding" is something I have seen in state herp regs (NM) but when you go to apply for the permit you are denied.
I also know privates that are way more qualified then scientists in keeping certain species. In other words, I have known academics who don't know diddly about keeping herps that get permits for herps while qualified private folks are denied.
This sounded like a fishing expedition for agencies to get money.
Welkerii
El Paso, TX
