Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Since recent data suggests that 1. feral Burmese Pythons in the Everglades National Park are NOT the result of reptile hobbyists illegally releasing their pet pythons and 2. that feral Burmese Python populations can NOT establish in the lower third of the U.S., I wonder if USARK could eventually spearhead a class action lawsuit against those responsible for perpetuating unfounded, libellous, defamatory accusations against reptile keepers, and thus recoup some of the costs of defending us?

Yes. I agree and have proposed the same myself here.

I think it can be proven, with the preponderance of the evidence, that it is more likely than not, the unfounded rumors were intentionally "floated" with the media by individuals and organizations, with premeditated malice aforethought, specifically with the intention of inflicting economic loss and financial hardship to individuals, and to an identifiable specific class.

There should be an investigation. Start with the media. Determine their sources. Work backwards to the original perpetrators.

jsc
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"As hard as I've tried, just can't NOT do this"
John Crickmer

Like you said, I've probably got too much time on my hands as it is. So, why not.
By the way, most of the influential people I know, do appreciate my input and do heed my council. I am not just referring to the participants on this forum, either.
In other words, you're not too important or relevant to the discussion.
jsc
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"As hard as I've tried, just can't NOT do this"
John Crickmer

Be sure and let us all know how it turns out!

...a lawsuit against the 'bad apple' herp keepers and dealers that make it into the headlines would be more appropriate, seeing as they're the ones giving us herp keepers a bad reputation. Excepting the fact that you'd never see any award money from any of those guys. Sigh. Best go after taxpayer dollars, even if the suit would be tenuous at best. Where's Daddy?

Again I must point out that just because some others are not doing the right thing it gives no reason or right to the government or law enforcement agencies to punish those that are not doing wrong.
If some robs a bank do they have to go after and punish everyone? Of course not.
If it were not for the agenda against keeping animals in captivity that is really behind this then they would not be using a lame excuse that because some people are not being responsible they need to shut it all down.
In a lot of cases they have used bad science and flat out lies to push there agenda.
So what they are using as leverage here is just a BS excuse. This is why they should get sued.
You speck of responsibility well it is time those in charge got some too.
There is already a way to punish the herp keepers that do not do a good job. But so far those spreading lies and doing wrong to those that do not deserve it have got off scot free.
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Noah was the first snake collector. ~Eric~

I think that your anger is misplaced. It's bad keepers that give good keepers a bad name, not the media or regulatory agencies. The media publicizes the information. The government attempts to govern activity.

You wouldn't even be on anybody's radar if it weren't for the dingbat keepers out there who invite trouble. Trace the problem back to the source and then lay blame.

By giving a pass to, or even defending the bad keepers, you do yourself more harm than good. It indicates an unwillingness to accept or even acknowledge responsibility on several different levels, which in turn invites more stringent regulatory measures.

Your rhetoric is all hot air. First of all, no one that I've seen on this forum is giving anyone a "free pass" to treat animals inhumanely and irresponsibly. That is YOUR strawman. If anything, it seems that most hobbyists are condemning other hobbyists who might be doing so. I have no idea where you are getting your arguments from. If you are referring to this latest thing with the croc guy, how about the concept of innocent until proven guilty. Presuming him guilty is "anti-American", isn't it?

And since any lamebrain knows that perfection is unachievable, what error rate, so to specak, is acceptable to you such that (ineffective) gov't intervention is not needed? One newspaper report of what you deem an irresponsible keeper per year? Two? Let's talk reality, not fantastic rhetoric.

Do you think your "self policing" ideas are 100% perfect, where Utopia will be achieved and no one will ever do anything stupid?

StephF, I actually agree with what you said for the most part. I just still do not think that it gives any right to any regulatory agency to punish us all across the board. There is always a better way to do this and they have the money, power and resources to accomplish that.
If we do not try to make them understand that punishing everyone is not acceptable then they will not ever get that point. That to me is part of being a responsible pet owner.
As for not defending those that do wrong. I agree but first we need to make sure they really did something wrong and then go from there. Just because people get accused it doesn't mean they did it.
But then I understand that just because there is an agenda against us it doesn't mean they did not do it either. I will judge it as I see it the best I can.
But just to be clear here I never said I would stand up for anyone doing wrong.
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Noah was the first snake collector. ~Eric~

Where's Daddy?

Speak for yourself. The government isn't my daddy. I kind of hope hope we see a bigger version of what happened in Romania in the early 90's here in the U.S. myself.

CYBER STALKER.First you insult my friends throw wild accusations at them defend the goverement defend the media yet you will not stand with us.I think you have a great mind please put it to better use.You are educated smart and almost funny.I know this is a game for you but to me and those you constantly insult it is our lives John can not make a post with out you posting next almost every time that is cyber stalking.You insult Tom a great friend to all herps as well as this hobby and last and probably least he is my friend as well.You are in the company of the greatest name in this biz and you talk to him like a punk.I know you do not respect the man but my god you at some point must realize and respect his life time achievements .If Tom is wrong I will say hey Tom that is not right he is no angel but he has done and is doing more for this hobby than most dream of.Please take the time to read his posts and learn not contradict but absorb some knowledge for a change jesus christ .I have sat and read some of the poop you spout and I have also read some good points you have made.Most of these guys are the good guys not the bad keeper you often speak of.Most of us are with some changes to some laws ( not me tho)I think we have to many laws as it is.The herp world is not perfict but it is not what it is being made out to be and you know it you just like to argue and will go to any length to do so.I know you do not believe half of the arguments you put forth you just like to make a point.Learn who the bad guy is and for gods sake learn some respect of the things accomplished by those who you disagree with.This is getting old and is takeing away from the situations discussed .
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Archie Bottoms

We need to "stop feeding the animal". If you ignore it, it will eventually go away.

This is really the best course of action.
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www.voodoomagicboas.com