Reptile & Amphibian Forums

The anti-exotic bill 1151 passed in the Senate Health and Long Term Care Committee today. All that is left to make this law is to be passed on the Senate Floor and be signed by the Governer. I think it's a slam dunk now.

Funny thing about it is that there were no Hot keepers in attendance or giving testimony. I was the only person there with even "semi-hot" stuff. I suppose we get what we deserve.

I want to extend a big group thanks to all who sent letters to be forwarded to the legislators. Your efforts were greatly appreciated.

Doug Taylor

There was some commentary in this forum on how this is a liberal/conservative issue. The senate committees that passed this bill were republican majorities as is the senate. The most damaging testimony came from Sherriffs (a very conservative group). Essentially there was bipartisan support.

Regardless of whether you prefer the political left, right or center, remember that none of them are on your side when it comes to keeping herps (especially hots).

Doug T

This is a real shame Doug but it doesn't come as a surprise. What really concerns me is the apathy displayed by the herp community (and it isn't just in WA, it is everywhere)...for some reason herp folks think there is some magical defense group to protect the private rights of individuals wishing to keep exotic herps. I guarantee you, if people became more vocal, took the time, like you, to get involved, write their congressman, call their state reps, get the media on their side, at least we would have a chance.....the day when total reptile bans are not too far off. Hopefully, this will be a wake up call for folks in WA.

Is there such a thing as a national herp society? If not, why not? I think it's high time to start one! Cmon guys whatya think?

I don't think its apathy or belief in some magical defense group that allows this. The average herp owner is just like the average voter and probably isn't even aware of half the crap that gets legislated. I know I don't have the time to research every piece of upcoming local/state/national legislation that might affect me. Wouldn't even know where to begin. A national herp organization is a really good idea. They could provide legislative alerts (email or newsletters) to members etc. much like the NRA-ILA (hopefully without all the fund-raising crap). Just checked out the PIJAC site and they seem really organized in this respect - would they be good for people outside the business part of herping as well?

legislation is being passed to ban the ownership of reptiles. I am actively involved on the local, state and federal level and am actively involved with politicians, state legislators, etc. In every case they tell me that the herp community is too apathetic and each individual herp owner doesn't realize the power they have if they would only get involved. A national organization can only do so much but in the end, it is the strenght in numbers that have the ability to stop the continuance of registricitive legislation. It is exactly the kind of opinions you expressed that summarizes most herp folks and that is EXACTLY why we will continue to see our hobby become more restricted and in some cases outlawed. People need to wake up and take the time to ban together and become proactive....but I am not holding out too much hope that this will happen. In situations when individuals have banned together to fight restrictive legislation, I have seen some amazingly positive things happen (check out the Chicago Herp Society; they are a very active bunch!)

Here's a link that has the wording of, and process it's going through. Research it and debate it. Gotta love politicians dontcha ?

Thane
Bill information

Sorry to hear it bro! But don't jump ship yet. It ain't over till the fat lady sings. I know she's warmin up back stage, but she ain't singin yet. You gotta get organized! Round up every herper you can get your hands on and drag their butts down to the capitol, and tell those yayhoos a thing r two! Don't you have herp societies out there? You need to get down right forceful. Don't be shy! Hell,.. youve' got nothing to loose now. You have to make an impression on the powers that be. Show them that you are organized, intelegent, and responsible. And that you vote! Just don't give up! Please,...this will spread like cancer all across the country if it gets a hold. What can I do to help? I don't live in your' state, but if I can help in any way, don't hesitate to ask! Sincerly,Tony Carlisle, thesnakeman@centurytel.net

is it only hots? and is it worded generically "venomous" snakes?
do they address large constrictors, crocs, etc?

thanks...

I didnt read all of it before, but I distinctly remember that they banned boas that would POTENTIALLY grow over 8 feet long. This is one hell of a bad bill, and gives much more authority to Fish and Game than before. Snakeman is right, we need to rally to defeat this and make our voices known. Doug, contact me please when you can, my email: aztecfred@msn.com

Thanks,

Fred

because the first versions were too unpopular. It now only applies to reptile hobbyists with venomous snakes, Water and Croc monitors and all crocodilians. It will decimate the private keepers of big felines and the like.

My local representative who sponsored the bill has actually been to my house to see my own collection and saw how the original bill was flawed as it applied to harmless snakes. He is willing to help introduce more acts that would make it legal to keep the types of snakes that are venomous but not harmful. I'm hoping that I can convince them to allow for licensing of hots somehow.

I'm not really angry at the legislators. They voted the way that seemed appropriate and really did have it presented to them as a public safety issue. The bummer is that once big snakes were removed, the herpers lost interest.

I'm pretty sure that in the long run, I won't be having trouble with anything as I'm not into hots or big monitors. I'd like for my buddies to have them... but they didn't stand up for themselves.

Doug

Reading the bill, I noticed that section 4 states that any animals in possession before the passage of the bill can be kept until 7/1/09 without permit as long as the owner keeps records and can establish that they owned the animal prior to the passage of the bill.

At least that gives some time to do some lobbying for amendment. But in general, I have observed that most people who get the maddest about this sort of regulation tend to yell the loudest and do the least. Hat's off to those who made their opinions known in advance.
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Chris Harrison