This is in response to a post by Zefdin RE: USARK Florida Python Press Release:
Quote from Zefdin:
"The Sheriff’s Office further reported that the family did not have the necessary permits to handle or keep the snake, nor did they have the required caging or follow proper safety protocols as mandated under Florida State law."
It is confusing to me why would USARK put out a press release that seems to acquiesce on the points of permits and state mandated requirements before the battle is even fully joined? These far reaching mandates and laws, which will undoubtedly be invasive to snake and reptile owner’s personal rights, should not be handed over without first having a comprehensive and complete discussion. These topics should be held up and viewed in every light possible for interpretation and fact finding in order remedy some very serious problems. We should not be ceding our rights in a knee-jerk fashion, where it is very clear this situation in Florida with this poor child has nothing to do what-so-ever with the invasive species problem. It is also obvious that our opponents are using this along with any unfortunate incident to further their cause. It is clear to me that now is not the time to be giving ground and running scared in front of them and their well-oiled campaign of fear. We all feel awful about this tragedy in Florida with this child, but handing over snake and reptiles owners rights to lawmakers and government bureaucrats in an attempt to pacify the eco-fanatics and uninformed is throwing the baby out with the bath water.
Why should I, a law abiding and long term snake owner have to pay for permits and the always present taxes that go with them because someone did not secure their snake or illegally threw it on the side of the road to propagate and cause harm to the environment? If USARK advocates escape-proof housing, how does it suggest this is enforced? Should I have to have a BATF agent in my home checking the locks on my snake cages every six months - I think not. Before any snake owner joins any “USARK Accreditation Program” they should fully consider what it is they are signing up for, because it may be more than they are bargaining for and involve a lot more fees, taxes, and government intrusion in their lives and freedoms than they are willing to give away. That’s for sure.
Think about it...
Quote from USARK:
We merely pointed out that Florida already has laws in place, and that this man was in violation of the law. If his animal was secured in the manner already required by his state the child would still be alive.
We have never required, or suggested that it be required to have permits, registrations or inspections. We do, however, endorse caging standards, safety protocols and escape prevention plans when working with big 5, venomous and crocodilians. It is sensible, responsible and probably the only way people will be able to continue to work with these animals in the foreseeable future.
Look at the bill we have in NC... it is the most herper friendly legislation ever proposed. NO INSPECTION, NO PERMITS, NO REGISTRATION, NO FEE.
Any accreditation system would be a form of self policing and completely voluntary. We can be reactive and on the defense every time an issue comes up... or we can be proactive and protect ourselves from unfair legislation that puts us all out of business.
We either make the rules for ourselves or have we have someone who wants to destroy us makes them for us. Which would you rather have?
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Andrew Wyatt
President USARK
