I am still attempting to get the Dept of Agriculture to put the reg requiring vet certificates for the importation of reptiles and amphibians into PA through the proper process of rewriting and publishing for public comment. Currently there is no regulation that states this requirement. The reg they cite excludes reptiles and amphibians by definition. They are contending that the definitions in the reg are superceded by one from a 1996 statute that defines animal as, "A living nonhuman organism having sensation and the power of voluntary movement and requiring for its existence oxygen and organic food." The application of this definition to the requirement for vet certificates is potentially disastrous to the entire pet industry. If an organization opposed to the keeping of all pets were to get a hold of this and start making complaints it could shut down every pet shop in the state.
PLEASE!! IF YOU ARE READING THIS MAKE THE TIME TO CALL AND WRITE DR. JOHN ENCK VMD. He is the the Director of the Bureau of Animal Health and Diagnostic Testing for the PA Department of Agriculture and the state veterinarian. HE HAS THE POWER TO CHANGE THIS REQUIREMENT. I would suggest complaining that the regulation is unjustified. The only rationale that they have given me for this requirement, after repeated requests, is the risk of salmonella and heart water disease. Salmonella is not apparent on visual inspection and heart water has been addressed by a ban on the importation of the animals of concern and a vet certificate requirement for interstate transportation of the same. So, the regulation does nothing to stop salmonella infected animals from entering the state and the state is protected from the introduction of heart water by federal requirements. There is no justification for the regulation!!! Keeping complaints focused on this will keep calls and letters simple and easy. If this regulaution presents a financial burden to you that should be pointed out as well. Here is the contact information for Dr Enck:
Dr John I Enck, VMD
Director, Bureau of Animal Health and Diagnostic Services
2301 N. Cameron St., Room 409
Harrisburg, PA 17110-9408
717-783-6677
He is the person who has the authority to change this situation. If they don't know people are disturbed by this requirement they will never do anything about it. Please call whether you are in state or out of state and have anyone you know who is sympathetic to this situation do the same. At least call, write a letter if you can make the time.
YOU SHOULD ALSO CALL THE OFFICES OF YOUR STATE REPRESENTATIVE AND SENATOR!!!! I am posting a link below that will get you contact information for your area. Elected representatives have far more influence over these folks than individuals do.
Have your relatives and friends who are sympathetic to the situation make these contacts as well.
It's time to stop talking and start doing something about this situation!!!
Here is the link to find your representative and senator
http://www2.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/findyourlegislator/find.cfm
I'll try to put it in below so you can just click it.
Thanks for your help!!!
PA Find Your Legislator
