Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I wrote the rep below last week, and received this response today Dear Mr. Brown,

Thank you for writing to share your thoughts on HB 352. As I stated to the media, and to local stakeholders, including owners and breeders of reptiles, I view the Strickland executive order language as a good starting place, and I am open to recommendations for improvement. I enjoyed the opportunity to participate in a meeting of Governor Kasich's workgroup, and appreciate the direction those recommendations are taking. I do intend to make some changes to the bill as it moves through the legislative process, and I welcome your suggestions on ways to improve it. Thanks again for taking the time to get involved, and help work toward good public policy in Ohio.

Sincerely,

Debbie Phillips

Representative Debbie Phillips

Ohio House District 92

77 South High Street, 11th Floor

Columbus, OH 43215

(614) 466-2158 (office phone)

(614) 719-6992 (fax)

Yep here's my message from Ohio Representative Debbie Phillips.

Dear Mr. Micklevitz,

Thank you for writing to share your thoughts on HB 352. As I stated to the media, and to local stakeholders, including owners and breeders of reptiles, I view the Strickland executive order language as a good starting place, and I am open to recommendations for improvement. I enjoyed the opportunity to participate in a meeting of Governor Kasich's workgroup, and appreciate the direction those recommendations are taking. I do intend to make some changes to the bill as it moves through the legislative process, and I welcome your suggestions on ways to improve it. Thanks again for taking the time to get involved, and help work toward good public policy in Ohio.

Sincerely,

Debbie Phillips

Representative Debbie Phillips

Ohio House District 92

77 South High Street, 11th Floor

Columbus, OH 43215

(614) 466-2158 (office phone)

(614) 719-6992 (fax)

District92@ohr.state.oh.us
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Boas By Klevitz

I Support USark.org

Yep, I received the same canned response...
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Kevin Blumenthal
www.blumenboas.com

I received the same canned response as everyone else, then followed up with a copy of the USARK model legislation ...

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Thank you! A number of people have suggested USARK as a resource, but you’re the first to send the model legislation. I really appreciate your help.

Debbie

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Representative Phillips,

Thank you for your response to my email objecting to the inclusion of reptiles on HB 352.

To briefly further comment on my objection, I (and the national organization USARK, United States Association of Reptile Keepers) do not completely oppose common sense regulation of some venomous or the larger constrictor species. But if public safety is the stated concern, we should strive for adequate caging standards and escape protocols, not bans. In my opinion, bans are legislatively lazy and do not protect the rights of responsible keepers who are, after all, also responsible upstanding citizens of Ohio and your constituents. In the cases of irresponsible keepers, we should recognize and value the important concepts of individual accountability and responsibility in dealing with these individuals, as opposed to punishing an entire group of people for the sins of a few.

I have attached a model that has been successfully used as a basis of legislation in several states. Please look it over and consider it as a suggestion for improvement as you requested in your email.

I appreciate your commitment to consider all stakeholders in this matter, and remain available to assist in your efforts to produce an appropriate state policy.

Sincerely,

Mark Pollard

Great job Mark, I did not even consider sending the USARK model.

I actually thought "assumed" she would already have that model sitting in front of her on her desk.

Assumptions are rarely a good way to approach any situation.

This is another lesson for me about assumptions.

. . . Lar M
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Boas By Klevitz

I Support USark.org

I replied with the USARK policies and mission statement as well. Maybe they will budge on it.

are kevin, and larry and mark all ohio residents? i know dan is...or are people from other states able to put in their 2 cents?

I'm in N. IL. but I pitched in to help our friends in Ohio !

. . . Lar M
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Boas By Klevitz

I Support USark.org

I'm in Joysey, just helping out when/where needed !
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Kevin Blumenthal
www.blumenboas.com

Yes, I live in the Cincinnati area.

I live in the midwest !! LOL

This is a link to a great statement on the situation we find ourselves in. Would it help to maybe print it out and send it to Ms. Phillips?

Thanks to Tracy Barker for link.

John Manser
Link

Just sent this to Ms Phillips. Thanks