Reptile & Amphibian Forums

At the following website I read something that I find rather disappointing.

http://forums.topshelfexotic.com/index.php?showtopic=512&st=0&

Maybe we all should band together and FIGHT the USDA and possibly win it. If the fireworks organziations can battle and win a case against the CPSC, "WHY" can't we who truly love large invertrebrates win a case against the USDA?? I wish someone would get the ball rolling here... I wouldn't know where to start, but I bet there's a few dealers out there who is reading what i'm writing here will get something started!

Either that, or our millipede or praying mantis hobbies will VANISHED and the organizations, clubs yahoo groups, etc etc. may disappear.. Maybe those who already have males and females and are very serious about a BREEDING PROGRAM would actually "start" a program. One thing about this idea is that one does't want to breed siblings from one parent together or the next generation will be smaller and end up immature or become mutations. I just hope for the best. Robert...

It seems likely that people in densely populated cities and suburbs receive a lot of their natural experiences from pests. Millipedes being one of these many pests. If people experienced first hand how fragile and affectionate these big arthropods can be, they may view nature itself as being more than just loaded with pests.

I found the thread you mentioned. That post clarifies a lot that I've been hearing.

"they are 100% enforcing an insect regulation that has been on the books for decades."
"they are not confiscating millipedes as yet just advising to not import anymore."

I don't see any solid possibilities as to why all millipedes need a ban. I haven't heard of Giant Pill Millipedes escaping and thriving in the average person's back yard or GBM mites eating little baby kittens from the inside out.
I think there can be some compramise betwean the USDA and Pede Hobbyists, aspecialy if there were a couple breading programs. Fighting for our hobby doesn't sound like a bad idea.

I don't have a great deal of knolledge on these kinds of issues, but I know a couple people in particular who would, but first things first... gota find out why millipedes are banned.

If anyone has good relavent information they could refer me to, I would be apreciative if you would put them in this thread. Playing detective is now my new hobby.

This web site is a good one to look over for those of you who may have a similar attitude to the hobby.
http://www.key-net.net/users/swb/pet_arthropod/