Reptile & Amphibian Forums

My name is Kevin Ealy, and I am a junior at Illinois State University. I am doing a report on a community issue, and the community I chose was yours, the owners of exotic reptiles in the United States. Specifically I hope to focus on the previous and recently proposed bans on owning exotic reptiles in the US. I am having some difficulty finding some of my information, and wondering if anyone had any suggestions as to where I could look, specifically for;
The main factors causing this to be an issue of concern. (economic, health, political)
Reaction and plans to fight the bans.
What efforts have and have not been successful in fighting the bans.
Who makes up your community? (age, location, ethnic backgrounds, etc.)

Any help you can offer will be much appreciated.
Thank you,
Kevin Ealy

Kevin, contact me directly and I will provide some useful information; it is VERY complex.

Rob Carmichael, Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center
Lake Forest, IL

>>My name is Kevin Ealy, and I am a junior at Illinois State University. I am doing a report on a community issue, and the community I chose was yours, the owners of exotic reptiles in the United States. Specifically I hope to focus on the previous and recently proposed bans on owning exotic reptiles in the US. I am having some difficulty finding some of my information, and wondering if anyone had any suggestions as to where I could look, specifically for;
>>The main factors causing this to be an issue of concern. (economic, health, political)
>>Reaction and plans to fight the bans.
>>What efforts have and have not been successful in fighting the bans.
>>Who makes up your community? (age, location, ethnic backgrounds, etc.)
>>
>>Any help you can offer will be much appreciated.
>>Thank you,
>>Kevin Ealy
>>
>>
-----
Rob Carmichael, Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center at Elawa Farm
Lake Forest, IL

Kevin,

Just recently a group of 7 or so reptile keepers attended a senate committee hearing in MD to fight a bill. I wasn't able to attend, so I called the committee members and sponsors. So far it seems to be working. There are only a few days left to the MD General Assembly, and it hasn't left committee yet.

Look under the Herp Law group for information on the MD bills and a new West Virginia bill.

The HSUS is behind several new bills in various states.

As for demographics, I'm married, no kids, mid-30s, caucasion, college educated, working in the biotech field, native Texan living in Baltimore (I used to live in the suburbs). I've kept reptiles for about 7 years now. I worked with "hots" in college as part of my work study, but have never kept any myself.

Katrina