I've posted this on a few of the forums where it applies. I especially want those of you on this forum to know how important this is. With the involvement of 1(one) person, the proposed language of a new bill here in Washington state will probably allow for the non-deadly rear-fanged snakes (boomslangs and twig snakes excepted) and maybe even helodermatidae (sp?). 1 person ahead of the game can make a difference.
I've seen a lot of chatter about what people can do to stop bad animal laws that effect us herpers from passing. I think that there is something totally being missed.
People that have hots, big lizards or snakes in state that allow them can do so mostly because those states don't have any laws regulating the keeping of those animals. If your state has no laws pertaining to those animals You should talk to your legislators about introducing legislation that will keep your herps legal.
Introduce an idea to your local representative or senator that will require licensing of these types of animals. Then if groups like the USHS tries to implement a bill to ban the keeping of the animals, your state will already have leglislation covering them, and the licensing will be considered a revenue generator for the state. Don't be paranoid thinking that stormtroopers will smash down your doors if you have a license. Trust me, you want licensing. Licensing allows the keeping of the animals in question.
Ask anyone in a state that bans herps like NJ or NY if they would prefer a licensing system over a ban and they'll say they wish they had it.
I have 100% certainty that nobody reading this will do what I suggest. But when the day comes when your state bans your animals, you will think back on this post and realize you blew the chance to protect yourself.
Don't think someone else will do it... Just go do it.
