Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Seems like the "wild" and "exotic" herps are being outlawed in various places across the nation. From what I've seen, with a few notable exceptions (NYC, Chicago), a lot of the legislation is being pushed through in smaller towns (La Crosse, WI).

Being the cynical person I am, I'm wondering if this is a carefully-orchestrated plan by PeTA to eventually get herp ownership banned across the country, and ultimately to get general pet ownership restricted/banned (herps being a convenient "foot in the door" as far as the legislation goes).

In response, I think we in the herp community need more resources to counter the legislative proposals. I'm thinking of making a sort of "form letter" which could be adapted to local variants of the proposed legislation. I'm soliciting inputs in order to wind up with a polished, professional, not condescending (!) letter which would actually make a difference (now I'm playing the optimist!). If whoever is conjuring up these proposals can be so easily influenced to introduce the legislation, it shouldn't be too hard to refute whatever evidence is being used (seeing how some of these proposals stem from a health/safety perspective).

Thoughts?
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Chris McMartin
www.mcmartinville.com
I'm Not a Herpetologist, but I Play One on the Internet

I will be unavailable until Sunday to elaborate on this idea, but I look forward to reading the replies when I return.
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Chris McMartin
www.mcmartinville.com
I'm Not a Herpetologist, but I Play One on the Internet

It seems that the catalyst for regulations of exotics is the carelessness & stupidity of a very few of the keepers. In Louisiana we had the DWF recommend to a House Committee the need for permits for all reptiles and non-human primates in Louisiana. This was not at the urging of PETA or HSUS, even though they applauded and urged the passage after it was introduced to the House & Senate, but a response to a bust in New Orleans of a house full of monkeys that were not being given adequate care and the escape of a 12ft Burmese python from a camper. Because of both incidents, laws were going to be passed. It was fortunate that the Louisina Gulf Coast Herpetological Society was tipped off by the LA-SPCA about the impending regulations. They immediately sprang into action, notifing all of their membership (100 ) and calling and writing Senators at the 11th hour. It was defeated and rewritten to only include constrictors over 12' and venomous snakes. Where was PETA & HSUS?
I think that the only time that they jump on the bandwagon is when it is already moving. I don't think they instigate as much as they really just like to stir the pot after it starts cooking. We seem to give them too much credit for things that they didn't actually start. I don't think that they want to expend the money or manpower to start a fight but they will jump in. ~Bill~
Link

I would be interested in seeing this form letter. I am just getting into herps and finding the local laws offensive to say the least.