Reptile & Amphibian Forums

There is a bill currently in the NYS Assembly that is being pushed to control the sale of reptiles. Please be aware this is NOT the "reptile ban" bill that has been widely recognized throughout the herp community.

This bill targets many of the same species as the other bill, but where the other bill has been amended to ban only large boidae, monitors, etc, this bill bans the retail and wholesale sale of any snake which reaches an adult length in excess of 8 feet. That as we all know is much more than a few boidae species, many colubrids will reach such a length.

Please write INTELLIGENT and well organized messages to your local assemblymen stressing this bill not be passed. If you live out of NYS, please write your local state governments acknowledging your distaste for such laws. Many states are quick to follow in the footsteps of California and New York. Your state could be the next to adopt these ban laws.

link
http://assembly.state.ny.us/leg/?bn=A09988

The text of this bill prohibits the sale of species in the family Boidae whic reach over eight feet. It specifically does not restrict the sale of large colubrids other than boomslangs and african twig snakes. While I still strongly disagree with this, we should at least get our facts straight when writing to assembly members.

Of considerable concern is the restriction on pet stores selling unweaned animals, and animals other than reptiles and amphibians under eight weeks of age. Note that this means that reptile hobbyists will be unable to purchase pinky or fuzzy mice and rats!

It will help to point out in your letter that of the boidae, only four species are responsible for human deaths, and of the varanidae, only one species is responsible for human deaths. The one varanid that has killed people (the Komodo dragon) is not even banned, while docile monitors such as the water monitor are! Note that many popular and harmless reptiles (such as boa constrictors) will be unavailable for purchase in New York state. Also note the revenue loss due to the loss of sales in the popular White Plains reptile show.

Also note the effect this bill will have on the poultry industry, where chicks are routinely sold shortly after hatching.

Further note that, although fish are technically included under the definition of animals, they are nowhere considered, which could lead to some absurd results.

So ... what are you waiting for? Write those letters!

Cheers,

Luke

P.S. - does anyone know what the status of the other NYS reptile banning bill is? Has Gov. Patcheki signed it? Has he indicated he will not sign it? Does anyone know?

The ownership ban bill has been sent back to the assembly edited to list 4 species of boidae, 4 monitor species and has defined some terms.

It's much more acceptable as it is now, limiting ownership of the above to licensed individuals, but still banning the breeding of those species.

Also, the bill no longer prohibits the purchase of all but the named animals. Of course, the other bill I mentioned does in a slightly different manner.

Here's the link to the amended ban bill:

http://assembly.state.ny.us/leg/?bn=A11753&sh=t

Thanks for the heads up. I have now e-mailed the assembly members about my views on this bill, too.

Cheers,

Luke