Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Cross-posted---
The Hillsborough County Commission (Tampa) will discuss ways to ban reptiles and exotic pets tomorrow, Wednesday, October 15, 2003. The matter is scheduled to be brought up at 10:15 am. The ban was publicized only 24 hours prior as far as I know. This ban which is specific to stop the breeding and selling of exotic pets is being talked about as a template for the rest of Florida. It is designed by the Commission and various Humane Society, Animal Rescue, and County Animal Control Persons to circumvent the Florida State Permits that Reptile Persons and other exotic animal people hold. They will also require warning signs in your front yard and a public list of all the animals you own which will be gathered by and for the the government. The meeting will take place on the 2nd floor of County Center, 601 East Kennedy Blvd. in downtown Tampa. The exotic pet ban is scheduled to be discussed at 10:15 am; however, I would get there early in case in case they try to run it through quickly.
May God help the reptile people in Tampa, the rest of Florida, and rest of the country.
Email : www.hillsboroughcounty.org

who should I e-mail specifically?

contacted the office of the Commissioners today and was told that today was the "informational" meeting. A date for a public hearing has yet to be determined. We have contacted Marshall Myers to see if he is already taken any action in this matter and are awaiting a reply. We have also sent letters to the County Commissioners explaining our position.

The outcome of today's meeting will be posted online tomorrow afternoon at this link:
http://www.hillsboroughcounty.org/htv/caption/home.cfm

The public hearing announcement will be in the newspaper and we will be watching for that incase we (the reptile industry) need representation at the meeting. So far, according to the Commissioners office, they are considering restrictions over an actual ban, but that is not definate, and restrictions can sometimes be just as dangerous to us as an actual ban.

Because we have worked diligently fighting breed specific legislation for our dogs, it has been our experience that a ban in one county can open the door for other counties/states to follow suit and it can spread like wildfire. It is important that we all take a moment to send the Commissioners a well thought out, professional and articulate letter explaining our position. Any help you can give is appreciated! The link for the email form is http://www.hillsboroughcounty.org/mail/email.html This link will allow you to email every Commissioner at once.
Thanks!
Char