Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Today the Senate Committee on the Environment & Public Works (EPW) held a business meeting on S. 373. Committee Chair Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and Ranking Member Senator James Inhofe (R-OK) presided. After brief statements the committee held a mark up session on S. 373, to amend title 18, United States Code, to add constrictor snakes of the species Python genera to the Injurious Wildlife list of the Lacey Act. Senator Inhofe expressed concerns about the bill. Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD) offered an amendment to limit the scope of the bill to only the 9 snakes addressed in the USGS report on large constrictors. Senator Cardin further agreed to work with Senator Inhofe to improve the bill prior to a vote on the Senate floor. The amendment was passed by voice vote. S373 was then voted out of Committee by voice vote with Senator Inhofe registering a NO vote.

S373 has now passed committee. It can not become law until it is voted on and passed by the full Senate and House of Representatives. There is still much work to be done prior to the Python Ban becoming law. S373 in its current form in unacceptable to USARK and the Reptile Nation. We will continue to work with Senator Inhofe, Senator Cardin and the EPW Committee Staff to shape the future of this bill. Please make an appointment to visit with your Senator and express your concerns with S373. Everyone needs to step up and make contact with your Senator. Let USARK know about your meeting. It is time to step up our game and show Washington we are serious about this. Continue the good fight. The Reptile Nation thanks Senator Inhofe for his even handed treatment of our industry.

Following is the statement of Ranking Member James Inhofe (R-OK):

Regarding S. 373, which is designed to ban the import and export of certain constrictor snakes, I believe we need to follow the process already established, which allows stakeholders to have input. Commonsense reforms are needed to prevent the proliferation, importation or breeding of species that would be harmful to ecosystems or human health and safety. We are setting a dangerous precedent of continuing to address these species outside of normal agency channels. Although I will not be offering an amendment today, I will support efforts on the floor to mitigate the negative effects to those snake owners and breeders who legally acquired their snakes, but through no fault of their own now find that their property is worth nothing.

S373 has been amended to include ONLY:

1. Python molurus
2. Broghammeras reticulatus
3. Python sebae
4. Python natalensis
5. Boa constrictor
6. Eunectes notaeus
7. Eunectes deschauenseei
8. Eunectes murinus
9. Eunectes beniensis

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Andrew Wyatt
President USARK

Andrew,
We will certainly contact out Senators and do everything we can to prevent this, but worst case scenario, if this bill DOES pass in some form, can we reverse it in some way?
Thanks again for all of your efforts!
Aaron Houts
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www.voodoomagicboas.com

Thank you Andrew for all that you do every day. Without you, and USARK, I have no doubts that our hobby would have already been destroyed by the HSUS agenda and influence in the House and Senate.

I think it's important to make people aware of what adding these snakes to the Lacey Act would do.

It would basically criminalize the transport of these animals across state lines. That means if you move out of state, you can't take them with you. You also can't sell and ship out of your state of residence.

This bill does NOT make it illegal to own, breed, or sell the animals listed. You just have to keep them within the same state forever.

I know there has been some confusion about what this bill will, and won't do - myself included.

Thanks again for your efforts Andrew!
jb
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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

Andrew,

I've been trying to read all the forum threads on many sites, as well as your updates, so I may have missed this, but has there been consideration for a peacefull protest in DC to obtain positive media coverage, and provide the proper understanding of the motives behind this bill, correct the mistruths and show corporate america how strong this industry is and the financial impact this will have on breeders, wholes/distribute, pet shops and manufacturers that support our industry. I'm not limiting this to those that will be impacted by the 9 constrictors but the entire Reptile Nation and hopefully all pet sectors as this will eventuallu affect them as well.

There should also be an understanding of international trade which will be affected by this law considering Europe obtain much of their reptiles of American exporters.

I don't think I'm exagerating when I say I can now envision the day where owning a Goldfish will be considered a crime.

I'm also a fisherman and see how the self serving groups have slowly removed large areas from recreational fisherman.

Thank you
Alejandro Garriga
Garriga Reptiles