Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have always been under the impression that a mandatory component of a new law being passed from a bill was that it had to be realisticly enforcable by the government/law enforcement. It is obvious to everyone in this business and to law enforcement that there is absolutely no possible way to enforce this should it become a law.

Since 9/11 the feds have pulled manpower and money from fish and wildlife and the department of agriculture at the state and federal level to go to homeland security. They are nothing more than a skeleton of what they used to be and even then how would they have ever been able to enforce this law?

I think there is a strong merit to pounding the huge cost in mna power and monies that they government both does not have and can not spare to deal with this trivial bill in the wake of two wars, health care, extended unemployment funds, corporate bailouts, mortage relief and on and on. It just does not seem like there is any practical life for this as a law.

>>They are nothing more than a skeleton of what they used to be and even then how would they have ever been able to enforce this law?

I had a Florida FWC Officer tell my point blank: There's NO way he and the agency he works for can enforce this type of law. They are only a handful of officers for hundreds upon hundreds of Florida permit holders!

But, on the flip side: It could very easily be enforced like this. Your neighbor calls the police because they suspect you have banned snakes. The cops show up and have probable cause. Game over.

Matt
p.s. - What happens to the animals? HSUS baby! They will take care of them.
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"Change what you cannot accept... do not accept what you can't change!"

Tod Ashley C.$.C.

it does not work that way. there is nothing "banning" you from keeping any of these speceies. The bill would end the ability of people to import them into this country and to cross state lines with them. You could keep them, buy them legally in your state, sell them in your state. It sucks but it does not take the animals away from you.

Actually, I believe that if this does become law, it is up to the individual states to decide. Many states already have laws prohibiting giant snakes. In NY were I live I believe they passed a law about 2 years ago that limits snakes to anything that does not attain an adult length of greater than 8 ft. So, this law could be the prodding they need to become more restrictive on what they will allow as well.

The Humane Society wants it...they give 100 million to lobbyists yearly...and the politicians push to do what the Humane Society wants. It's Eco-Terrorist Kudos...that's all.
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Matt Lerer
Ghi Reptiles

People complain about my attitude? Yours is about the worst I have seen. And it is even worse that your information is so wrong since you wouldnt take the time to find the real numbers. It makes a huge difference because regardless of wether the bill becomes a law or not if there is a procedural/legal precedent for it to not be eligible for a vote that is grounds for its removal and reversal.

LOL...I've got a great attitude...I just see it for what it is and I tell like I see it. I'm sure you sort of do the same.

When you have a group like HSUS that wants something it's a tough road. It's like going out to dinner and wondering why the couple that just walked in got seated immediately while everyone else has been waiting for an hour. It's about money and the power it brings along with it...

And for anyone who wants to take the chance of the law not being enforced on them...some will be lucky and some won't.
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Matt Lerer
Ghi Reptiles