Louisiana HB1468 will likely be voted on today or tomorrow. At this point, the senators spend most of their time on the senate floor, and it is rather doubtful if they are even reading the thousands of e-mails that they receive on a daily basis themselves.
It is therefore very important that everybody picks up the phone and calls the senate switchboard (225-342-2040), and asks to be put through to your senator. The senators will be on the floor starting at 2pm CST today. If they cannot put you through, keep trying until they do. Stress the importance and urgency of the situation, until you are able to talk to a senator personally.
When talking to a senator, it is very important you are polite, yet very firm in your stance. Stress the devastating effects the bill would have on the pet shop industry (and even private veterinary practices) throughout the entire State of Louisiana. Many businesses would have to relocate to Mississippi and other states in order to stay in business. In addition, where is the evidence that such regulations are actually needed? Does one isolated event provide evidence for needed regulations, when there are throusands of incidences involving dogs and horses, and other companionship animals? Furthermore, does the Department of Wildlife & Fisheries really have such an immense surplus in their budget that would allow for it to implement and enforce such a huge set of regulations? Hardly so. And if they did, shouldn't said resources be dedicated to catching serial killers and other criminals, rather than to chasing reptile enthusiasts keeping exotic turtles & snakes?
Again, the number is 225-342-2040. Ask for your senator. They will be on the senate floor starting at 2pm CST today.
Let's show them that the people of Louisiana will not be pushed into senseless regulations!
Don't tread on us!
Best regards,
Thomas Eimermacher
Vice President
Louisiana Gulf Coast Herpetological Society
