Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I've been calling, faxing and writing letters when asked to by USARK.

Due to today's outcome, I am planning to mail the following personal letter to EVERY Senator and Congressman, and the President,and then e-mail it every day thereafter.

Please read my letter and let me know what you think of it before I send it out to the mail.

If you like it, I encourage you to do the same with it. Feel free to copy and paste, edit as you'd like to fit your specific role. I'll be changing the "Dear..." address accordingly.

Thank you for your time to read this, and comments you may wish to offer me. Please pm me if you feel you need to.

Dear Senators,

I am writing to express my opposition against S373. Recently several outstanding doctorates, professionals and organizations (such as National Geographic) have commented that the current “data” that supports the ban of importation, exportation and interstate movement of nine major species of constrictor snakes is not scientifically valid. Although I recognize that some species, such as the Burmese Python, have become an issue in Florida, there is: 1) no reasonable evidence to support that all of the species pertaining to the genera implicated in the bill pose ANY native wildlife or the environment; 2) no reasonable evidence to support that the species pertaining to the genera implicated in the bill pose a threat to persons of this country.

The animals in question for bill S373 are ectotherms. In most parts of the United States temperatures and or humidity levels do not support life of these organisms for much of the year. They will die and therefore do not pose a threat to the native wildlife. These organisms will experience hypoactivity and be unable to adequately hunt and find food source. Even if they find a food source the inadequate temperatures will cause decomposition of the ingested food and kill them. Furthermore, the first significant drop in temperatures in any area of the country would kill the organism overnight.

There is no logical, substantial or relevant evidence to support that these animals must be banned nation-wide. The passing of S373 would devastate hundreds of thousands of reptile owners, hobbyists and business persons alike, that are responsible keepers of these species. Better solutions can present themselves in those states which are experiencing issues with only a few of the species in the genera of animals presented in this bill. Examples include more strict local laws that require a permit or some other manner of assuring responsible reptile keeping. With current technologies, even snakes may be microchipped, which can indicate the irresponsible owner(s) of those animals that may be found loose in the environment.

I would also like to add that abolishing the ability to buy, sell, breed these organisms will negatively affect thousands of families across the United States. Those that depend on this industry will be ruined, adding to rising unemployment rates and economic distress that the country already faces. Reptile collections that are depended on for income and retirement, planning to send children to college, etcetera, will be worthless. Not only will they be worthless, but a financial burden to those that are then financially ruined. These animals need satisfactory food source, housing, heat, substrate, and so fourth, all of which require money on the keeper’s part. I am a small business hobbyist and have thousands of dollars invested in my animals and equipment, but am not ignorant to the hundreds of thousands of dollars that some of the well known reptile suppliers currently spend to keep and care for their animals and business. This bill would cause irreversible loss to these families. Not only will families be effected, but so will major retailers of the pet industry. Companies such as Petco and Petsmart, local privately owned pet stores, cage suppliers, rodent suppliers, husbandry suppliers, plastics companies, glass suppliers, metal industry, and on and on will be affected by the passing of this bill.

In an attempt to reveal the unfair treatment of this bill to the many across this country that own reptiles: there are more automobile accidents, dog/cat bites, airplane crashes, recreational vehicle accidents, gunshot and knife stabbings, etcetera, that cause more harm or death to human beings than the species that will be affected by this bill. The exceptionally few deaths caused by snake constriction attract intense media attention and are a style of exotic news and publicity. Many of these species are no more than three feet in length and no more in girth than a toilet paper roll. None of them are venomous. With proper keeping these animals are far less dangerous to the human being than most of the common pets and household/daily devices with which we surround ourselves.

This bill has clearly been written by individuals that have a short and narrow list of selfish and uneducated priorities who failed to consider the countless number of lives that would be negatively affected by the passing of this bill. There are many more economically, ecologically and reasonable methods to approach any form of problem that may arise to the irresponsible actions of the few than to penalize so severely the vast number of responsible reptile owners, pet owners, business owners and industrialists in this manner.

In order to experience the overwhelming popularity of the reptile industry I urge any member of the Senate, Congress or other lawmakers, and those that were involved in the writing of this bill to attend any of the local reptile conferences, seminars or shows, or simply Google search "reptile forums" to understand to popularity of this industry by pet owners, herpetologists, hobbyists and commercial and industrial suppliers alike.

I passionately urge the consideration of the irrationality of this bill. Please make your decisions in the best possible interest of your citizens. There are several more reasonable and less damaging ways to preserve our humanity and environment than a nation-wide ban of these animals, where only an very small percentage of the nation’s ecology is affected, and infinitesimal number of people are physically harmed by them.

Most sincerely,
Jessica Suanne Gibbs
M.S. and reptile business owner
California Resident
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Cheers,
Jessica Gibbs
Ball Pythons; Corn Snakes; Green Tree Python; Jungle Carpet Python; Bci; Bcl; Bco
3.0 Crazy Dogs and 2.0 cats
Some Tropical Fish
...........and growing!

Thanks for what you are proposing to do. I too think it's time we all took a personal approach, beyond what we are being asked to do by USARK and PIJAC. They are great organizations, and I too will continue to participate in the initiatives they suggest, but I feel I can do more.

Yesterday, I called my Sentor's office and wouldn't let them go until I got the name of the aide assigned to study this topic for the senator. Recognizing that there are too many issues for any senator/congressman/representative to actually know what is going on, I decided to find the aide and focus on influencing him/her. If I can get them to the point that they understand what is going on, then I may get a shot at the senator directly, or at least indirectly through the aide. Everyone can do this. You can get with your local buddies and do it together, or individually. But it can be done. We can't expect USARK and PIJAC to have a personal relationship with every senator, congressman, and representative, but with many of us trying to reach that level, some of us will be successful. And once we have that contact, we can invite our heavy hitters to the dance.

Maybe it won't work. But I'm thinking sitting on the sidelines, waiting for the next call to action isn't my style, and if I can do more, I should try.

Thanks again for what you are doing, and I encourge everyone to do what you can in your own way between the larger "calls to action".

Mark
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uncommonboa.com

I have been writing to Senator Barbara Boxer. I am a CA resident, so I've been trying to do what I can locally.
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Cheers,
Jessica Gibbs
Ball Pythons; Corn Snakes; Green Tree Python; Jungle Carpet Python; Bci; Bcl; Bco
3.0 Crazy Dogs and 2.0 cats
Some Tropical Fish
...........and growing!

I wish I could proofread...
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uncommonboa.com

I've already started drafting my letter too, but I like yours SO much more

Two things, in the following paragraph, a word is missing:

I am writing to express my opposition against S373. Recently several outstanding doctorates, professionals and organizations (such as National Geographic) have commented that the current “data” that supports the ban of importation, exportation and interstate movement of nine major species of constrictor snakes is not scientifically valid. Although I recognize that some species, such as the Burmese Python, have become an issue in Florida, there is: 1) no reasonable evidence to support that all of the species pertaining to the genera implicated in the bill pose ANY __________ native wildlife or the environment; 2) no reasonable evidence to support that the species pertaining to the genera implicated in the bill pose a threat to persons of this country.

I assume the missing word is "threat" or "danger".

Also, it wouldn't be illegal to own these animals, or even to sell them. It would just be illegal to move them across state lines (either by transporting them or shipping them) which means no out of state sales.

Hope those suggestions help I REALLY love your letter and will definitely be stealing rather shamelessly from it!

Here's a VERY rough version of mine so far. I have a LOT of work to do on it...

Dear Senator,
I watched the Environment and Public Works committee meeting on December 10th, 2009 to see what happened with S373.

Although I’ve voiced my opinion before on this piece of legislation, I feel I must do it again. The intention of S373 is noble and good, but the methodology is fatally flawed.

The intention of the bill is to protect native US habitat from the non-native Burmese python, and now it has been amended to include nine species of constrictor snakes.

There is no doubt that Burmese pythons have a self sustaining population in the Everglades, however, the science behind the USGS report that asserts the pythons could spread across the nation is disturbingly simplistic and grossly inaccurate. As a community, we are not questioning the claims of potential global warming, but we are questioning the parameters to determine suitable habitat for these snakes.

Because of this completely false report of potential expansion on the Burmese pythons, this issue looks like a national issue when in fact; it is truly a state issue only for the state of Florida.

For an accurate portrayal of the risk of expansion of the Burmese python, please see this rebuttal report by Pyron, et al from The City University of New York:

http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0002931

The report linked above is thorough in its science, and completely discredits the findings of the initial report published by the USGS. Keep in mind, the report does not question the climate mapping performed by the researchers, but instead it questions the assertion that the average daily temperature is the best method to determine if a snake can survive in an environment. This report plainly states that Burmese pythons will NEVER leave the Everglades, regardless of how warm the rest of the nation becomes.

If you ask any person with any experience keeping snakes, they’ll tell you that the single most important factor in determining how well a snake will survive – with regards to temperature – is “temperature extremes”, or, highs and lows. That is important because low temperatures kill snakes. In the case of Burmese pythons, temperatures below 60 degrees can be fatal.

The second and final point I’d like to share with you is this. If this bill is passed, either as written or with the recent amendment to include the nine large constricting snakes, the market for these animals will fall to a total value of $0 before the bill is even enacted. In fact, just mentioning that these animals may be banned has dramatically affected the market value of these animals.

You may ask why? The reason is; the vast majority of the value of these animals is in their reproductive capabilities in the future. Therefore, a non-breeding animals market value is: worthless. If a bill makes it illegal to sell these animals across state lines any time in the future, no person will want to invest in the animal now.

There will be no opportunity to “wind down” and liquidate stock because buyers will not want to buy the animals because they can’t breed them and sell their offspring. Basically, any animals a person owns before the bill, will be the animals the person owns after the bill. Also I heard in the committee meeting a Senator mentioning selling the skins of snakes. Let me assure you that no pet owner will consider for a second, the idea of skinning their pet so please do not consider that as an option.

To give you an example of what can happen, I’ll use my scenario. I am a “hobbyist” and with a rather small collection compared to most “hobbyists”. I have a collection that I’ve been building for a decade that consists of 10 boa constrictors valued at about $25,000. This breeding season, I could produce as many as three litters of baby boas with a market value as high as $40,000. If this bill is passed, my 10 boa constrictors will be economically valueless and any offspring produced will not be purchased because people will not buy them if they don’t have the option to breed them. So, I could potentially have a collection with as many as 60 or more boas, with no additional income to pay for their food (about $100/year each), escape proof housing ($750 over their lifetime of 20 years) and electricity to heat their enclosures ($120/year per animal) and supplies ($50/year each). I do not have the room in my house to accommodate this many boas as they can get up to about 6 feet in length and will need a 4’x2’x1’ cage to live in as adults.

What are my options? Kill these animals? Couldn’t do it. Release them into the wild because I don’t have the heart to kill them? That would counteract what this bill seeks to accomplish. Please tell me, what do I do if this bill is passed?

Senator, please see that this bill is scientifically unjustified, and economically crippling to many US citizens. Please vote no on S373.

Kindest regards,
Jonathan Brady

PS, I’ve yet to figure out how this bill addresses the removal of pythons from the Everglades.
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What's written above is purely my opinion. In fact, MOST of what you read on the internet is someone's opinion. Don't take it too seriously

Jonathan Brady
DeviantConstrictors.com
Deviant Constrictors picturetrail

Thanks for reading it and providing the suggestions...I'll be making the changes.

I like that you provide so many specific examples in your draft. I think personal additions like that are important in our letters!

Steal away my friend, and thank you for the compliments on my letter.
-----
Cheers,
Jessica Gibbs
Ball Pythons; Corn Snakes; Green Tree Python; Jungle Carpet Python; Bci; Bcl; Bco
3.0 Crazy Dogs and 2.0 cats
Some Tropical Fish
...........and growing!

Thank you to those that responded to me with edits and comments. Peer review is important when sending letters of this nature!

Here's the edited/revised letter:

I am writing to express my opposition against S373. Recently several outstanding doctorates, professionals and organizations (such as National Geographic) have commented that the current “data” that supports the ban of importation, exportation and interstate movement of nine major species of constrictor snakes is not scientifically sound. Although I recognize that some species, such as the Burmese Python, have become an issue in Florida, there is: 1) no reasonable evidence to support that all of the species pertaining to the genera implicated in the bill pose ANY threat to native wildlife or the environment; 2) no reasonable evidence to support that the species pertaining to the genera implicated in the bill pose a threat to persons of this country.

The animals in question for bill S373 are ectotherms. In most parts of the United States temperatures and or humidity levels do not support life of these organisms for much of the year. They will die and therefore do not pose a threat to the native wildlife. These organisms will experience hypoactivity and be unable to adequately hunt and find food source. Even if they find a food source the inadequate temperatures will cause decomposition of the ingested food and kill them. Furthermore, the first significant drop in temperatures in any area of the country would kill the organism overnight.

There is no logical, substantial or relevant evidence to support that these animals must be banned nation-wide. The passing of S373 would devastate hundreds of thousands of reptile owners, hobbyists and business persons alike, that are responsible keepers of these species. Better solutions can present themselves in those states which are experiencing issues with only a few of the species in the genera of animals presented in this bill. Examples include more strict local laws that require a permit or some other manner of assuring responsible reptile keeping. With current technologies, even snakes may be microchipped, which can indicate the irresponsible owner(s) of those animals that may be found loose in the environment.

I would also like to add that abolishing the ability to buy, sell, or transport these organisms out of state will negatively affect thousands of families across the United States. The reptile industry relies on interstate and international sale, trade and transport! Those that depend on this industry will be ruined, adding to rising unemployment rates and economic distress that the country already faces. Reptile collections that are depended on for income and retirement, planning to send children to college, etcetera, will be worthless. Not only will they be worthless, but a financial burden to those that are then financially ruined. These animals need satisfactory food source, housing, heat, substrate, and so fourth, all of which require money on the keeper’s part. I am a small business hobbyist and have thousands of dollars invested in my animals and equipment, but am not ignorant to the hundreds of thousands of dollars that some of the well known reptile suppliers currently spend to keep and care for their animals and business. This bill would cause irreversible loss to these families. Not only will families be effected, but so will major retailers of the pet industry. Companies such as Petco and Petsmart, local privately owned pet stores, cage suppliers, rodent suppliers, husbandry suppliers, plastics companies, glass suppliers, metal industry, and on and on will be affected by the passing of this bill.

In an attempt to reveal the unfair treatment of this bill to the many across this country that own reptiles: there are more automobile accidents, dog/cat bites, airplane crashes, recreational vehicle accidents, gunshot and knife stabbings, etcetera, that cause more harm or death to human beings than the species that will be affected by this bill. The exceptionally few deaths caused by snake constriction attract intense media attention and are a style of exotic news and publicity. Many of these species are no more than three feet in length and no more in girth than a toilet paper roll. None of them are venomous. With proper keeping these animals are far less dangerous to the human being than most of the common pets and household/daily devices with which we surround ourselves.

This bill has clearly been written by individuals that have a short and narrow list of selfish and uneducated priorities who failed to consider the countless number of lives that would be negatively affected by the passing of this bill. There are many more economically, ecologically and reasonable methods to approach any form of problem that may arise due to the irresponsible actions of the few than to penalize so severely the vast number of responsible reptile owners, pet owners, business owners and industrialists in this manner.

In order to experience the overwhelming popularity of the reptile industry I urge any member of the Senate, Congress or other lawmakers, and those that were involved in the writing of this bill to attend any of the local reptile conferences, seminars or shows, or simply Google search "reptile forums" to understand to popularity of this industry by pet owners, herpetologists, hobbyists and commercial and industrial suppliers alike.

I passionately urge the consideration of the irrationality of this bill. Please make your decisions in the best possible interest of your citizens. There are several more reasonable and less damaging ways to preserve our humanity and environment than a nation-wide ban of these animals, where only a very small percentage of the nation’s ecology is affected, and infinitesimal number of people are physically harmed by them.

Most sincerely,

Jessica Suanne Gibbs
M.S. and reptile business owner
California Resident
-----
Cheers,
Jessica Gibbs
Ball Pythons; Corn Snakes; Green Tree Python; Jungle Carpet Python; Bci; Bcl; Bco
3.0 Crazy Dogs and 2.0 cats
Some Tropical Fish
...........and growing!