Reptile & Amphibian Forums

In oz they have now totaly banned all exotic reptiles.
only game parks will have them.
will that work here?
It will stop venomoiders cold in their cloven hoofs.
keep hot dealers in line.
It will also slow the encrochment of exotic species that are destroying my state.
It might be the only way to stop the maddness of the hot reptile trade.
scammers abound and there is very little regulation.
any body else tired of all the problems that plague the exotic reptile trade.
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Bud

I hear what you are saying and pretty much agree. Since I wear two hats; one as a Curator of a well respected wildlife facility that specializes in reptiles (particuarly venomous) and raptors and second, as a private hobbyist who is passionate about protecting individual's rights to own herps, I am oftentimes caught in a personal struggle. There are many, many incredibly talented, knowledgeable, responsible and dedicated private venomous keepers who I have nothing but the utmost of admiration and respect for. I also know of many, many circumstances of absolutely, horridly irresponsible, immature and completely inept people keeping or selling venomous herps. It is more than just a few bad apples spoiling the hobby; it is many. What can we (and when I say, "we", I am speaking for anyone who is responsible) do to save this hobby while ensuring the safety and well being of the general public? An all out venomous reptile ban is not the answer (contrary to what some folks may think). More self policing, education and perhaps a much more stringent permit system are going to be needed. I liken this situation a bit to falconry. In order to be a falconer, you must go through a long term and tedius process where only the most dedicated, knowledgeable, mature and professional folks complete the permitting process to become a falconer. It sure would be nice to see something similar in the herp worls (specifically as it relates to venomous reptiles and perhaps other potentially dangerous herps like large constrictors, crocodilians, certain monitors, etc.). But, this is a very simplistic approach and many logistical obstacles stand in the way...but I think it can be done. Rob

Rob Carmichael, Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center at Elawa Farm
City of Lake Forest Parks & Recreation (IL)

All this would accomplish is drive out the responsible people. The irresponsible ones wouldn't care in the least and it would actually make the situation worse by attracting in more lunies due to the 'outlaw image' element. A rational permit system like Florida's is the only way to go.

Cheers
Bryan
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Dr. Bryan Grieg Fry
Deputy Director
Australian Venom Research Unit
University of Melbourne

www.venomdoc.com

I totally agree. I've been saying this for years, but alot of venomous keepers tend to keep low profile. With a permit system; at least they know who has what, and where it's being kept.

Good advice; maybe people will listen to you.

Thanks,
Chad

Wouldn't it be more logical for them to issue a permit system, and know what people have & where they have it; rather than have tons of people keeping deadly animals, and not know about it at all? The permit deal seems like a much safer deal all in all.

Just an opinion,
Chad

I agree totally mate. This is exactly what I tell every legislator/council member I write to about the latest assinine piece of proposed legislation/council ordinance.

Cheers
Bryan
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Dr. Bryan Grieg Fry
Deputy Director
Australian Venom Research Unit
University of Melbourne

www.venomdoc.com

To me, a permit system, even if it carries an annual fee, is far better than what we have now. I have friends in government agencies (wildlife related) and they all tell me that this makes all the sense in the world but the word I keep getting is that it is too expensive to administer. Personally, I think a permit system could be done w/out putting a financial strain on the agencies overseeing the process. Once again, it works for falconry and it could work for certain groups of reptile owners. Some states require an owner to register with their local police but that, to me, tends to put up too many red flags. Something needs to be done quickly before private rights are gone.

It would make sense if all states had a license system.
It would be harder to simply ship animals around the law.
lets not forget the buyers every time would need licenses.
No matter if they are in a own anything any time state.
Any ideas time is running out for the hobby.

ideas anyone
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Bud

Hi Bryan,
Do you think this will be the case in oz now that the ban is on?
The florida permit system is ok for the exotic owners but how do you regulate the exotic dealers?
To close all the loop holes allowing shipments to go to other states to evade regulations and shipping and such?
It seems to me they are and I use that term loosely out of control selling to anyone with the cash.
The respectable dealers will suffer from all the bad ones.
How do we fix this?

Thanks
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Bud

For native venomous, there is already a very rational and efficient permitting system in place that works well for all concerned. The ban you are referring to is for overseas exotics, not Aussie herps.

Cheers
B
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Dr. Bryan Grieg Fry
Deputy Director
Australian Venom Research Unit
University of Melbourne

www.venomdoc.com

Bryan,

Do you think there will be the outlaw factor
in australia now the exotics ban is in effect?
We need to ban them also.

We can use austrailia for a example to guide us a bit.
thanks
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Bud

>>Bryan,
>>
>> Do you think there will be the outlaw factor
>> in australia now the exotics ban is in effect?

Hmm.... probably not to the same extent as the snakes aren't as readily available as venomous are in the US. However, they certainly may be a bit more attractive to specialist keepers

>> We need to ban them also.
>>

I disagree strongly with this. Ferals are difficult to get established and in any case all the natural environments are doomed due to human greed fueling habitat destruction.

Cheers
Bryan
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Dr. Bryan Grieg Fry
Deputy Director
Australian Venom Research Unit
University of Melbourne

www.venomdoc.com

Good to see BGF agrees with what I said in the Smuggled books published a decade ago. Welcome aboard.

BOOK REVIEWS - SMUGGLED

Hi ray,
I read the book reviews.
so the smuggling trade is in full swing still?
And its because of the prohibition?
so if it happens here this might be the outcome.
thanks
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Bud