Reptile & Amphibian Forums

A group of “animal people” met in Columbus Sunday to discuss strategy. Chris Law and I attended.

Here’s the scoop on how all this started:

Some guy had mountain lion that was being tied on a chain out side his home in N Ohio county.
The animal routinely broke it’s collar and ran amuck. Recently, it broke loose and ended up getting the best of a neighbor’s dog who was playing chase-the-big-kitty. Anyway….the dog with multiple lacerations and thousands of stiches made the news and a representative from the county began working on this.

The bill will be intended to “prohibit persons who do not possess exotic animals on the effective date of the act from acquiring such animals after the date and to establish requirements regarding the possession and care of exotic animals by current possessors.

“exotic animals” are defined as the animals or groups of animals that are listed on the act.

I’m going to list the reptiles that are currently on the list. There WILL be more…and I’ll keep you posted when I hear what they are. Next step is Evelyn is meeting with the representative, Steve Reinhard, who will be sponsoring this.

The sticking point is that most people in the group are willing to negotiate fair legislation, and a few very vocal people are going to want to fight for NO legislation. Here’s my point on this: We have been fighting this for years. If something fair is on the books, then we know what we have and that’s that. If NOTHING is on the books, then EVERY time someone does something stupid with an exotic animal, then we are BACK to fighting proposed UNFAIR legislation. And…we risk getting something shoved down our throats. I’d like to see this end.

Here’s the current list, I’ll update you when it changes and when I know more.

Crocodile monitor
Water monitor
Green iguana
Rock iguana
A species within family elapidae
A species within family boidae that has the potential to exceed 8 feet in length.
A boomslang or African twig snake of family colubriae

"The sticking point is that most people in the group are willing to negotiate fair legislation, and a few very vocal people are going to want to fight for NO legislation. Here’s my point on this: We have been fighting this for years. If something fair is on the books, then we know what we have and that’s that. If NOTHING is on the books, then EVERY time someone does something stupid with an exotic animal, then we are BACK to fighting proposed UNFAIR legislation. And…we risk getting something shoved down our throats. I’d like to see this end."

I certainly agree with you Dean, but I must say that I am rather partial on both sides. IF, we were to get FAIR legislation, and it was GUARANTEED to stay that way regardless of what some moron does with his animal, then I would certainly be all for it. But let's face it, AR groups are going to continue pushing from all angles. They aren't going to quit. Government techically could give a rats rear. However, once you let the government in....you cant get them out. No matter how good we work out a law that is FAIR and will help minimize the irresponsible morons out there, there are ALWAYS going to be the few that will screw it up. This will only provide more fuel for AR activists, and we will continue getting things stuffed down our throats each time. I personally would love to see NOTHING on the boards and be able to trust breeders, and the purchasers to do the right thing. However, money talks and so does stupidity! Really, we are rather stuck between a rock and a hard place. Personally, if they are only wanting to ban animals that pose a "Safety threat" to humans, then they are still failing miserably according to that list.

I am going to attempt to make a scan of the proposed bill and if anyone is interested in a copy, then I MIGHT be able to send via email depending on the file size. Just email me and I will try to get you a copy ASAP.

Well, thats just my opinion and you know how the saying goes on those.

Best Wishes to all,

Chris
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U.A.P.P.E.A.L.
Uniting A Proactive Primate and Exotic Animal League

The list you posted seems very short compared to what I briefly looked at, at the Columbus show. It is possible it was something different but it was pages long.

What I do not like about proposed laws such as this, is that the masses are being punished for 1 foolish person. This in my opinion is not governments place. It is governments place to hold that 1 person responsible for their actions. After a law like this is on the books it will be almost impossible to remove, and yet very easy to add to.

Now I agree there should be some limits, but I am not for a full ban. There are people with the money and expertise to house almost any animal properly and I see no reason why they should not be able too. Now that does not mean these animals should not be tracked or licensed.

Also how did a simple iguana make the list? If the issue began for a large cat then why are they not on the list? Seems a little off if you ask me.
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Kyle
www.kylesphotos.com
Dart Links - still a work in progress

it's pages long but most of it is mammals. I listed all the reptiles.

It's too preliminary right now anyway since we know for sure they are adding animals.

As for the iguanas...I have a feeling that's a salmonella thing...

I would like to see the whole list. Do you happen to have a copy you could e-mail me?

>>it's pages long but most of it is mammals. I listed all the reptiles.
>>
>>It's too preliminary right now anyway since we know for sure they are adding animals.
>>
>>As for the iguanas...I have a feeling that's a salmonella thing...
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Kyle
www.kylesphotos.com
Dart Links - still a work in progress

Give me your email address and I will send you a copy of the full bill(atleast the version we have thus far).

Chris

>>I would like to see the whole list. Do you happen to have a copy you could e-mail me?
>>
>>>>it's pages long but most of it is mammals. I listed all the reptiles.
>>>>
>>>>It's too preliminary right now anyway since we know for sure they are adding animals.
>>>>
>>>>As for the iguanas...I have a feeling that's a salmonella thing...
>>-----
>>Kyle
>>www.kylesphotos.com
>>Dart Links - still a work in progress
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U.A.P.P.E.A.L.
Uniting A Proactive Primate and Exotic Animal League

I was wondering if there was a central location for information pertaining to this new bill, i.e. a dedicated website of some kind. If there is a need and it doesn’t exist, I would be willing to purchase a domain name and provide hosting free.

I do have a few stipulations; one the mission/platform of the site would be to influence peaceful and lawful negotiations for fair legislation for all exotic owners, two no inflammatory blow’em up and burn’em down message theme. The site should be used as a central point for distribution of information, i.e. bulletin boards, posting general information, polls and fund raising if needed.

We would need someone to build the website; I’m a sys admin not a web programmer. I can help maintain the site after it’s built. The systems are RedHat Linux Enterprise, and are implemented with cPanel and Fantastico with Frontpage extensions are available if needed.

Don Flickner

Reactionary fear is rearing its manipulative head again.

Yes, an irresponsible owner let an cougar under his care, impeding on the rights of another citizen. In Kentucky, we had the same problem with a person who couldn't keep his snow leopard under control. True to their cause and use of smoke and mirrors, megalomaniacal politicians needed some ammo for reelection and passed legislation banning crocodilians and venomous exotic snakes, as well as primates and big cats.

Where do the reptiles fall into this current Ohio situation?! Sounds like another "bait and switch" technique used by our nationally elected leader that has trickled down to state politics.

This situation will undoubtedly affect the incomes of many breeders in the Buckeye State, as well as sales at the All Ohio Reptile Show and other pet stores.

I strongly recommend that research be conducted to show how much income, tax revenue and potential votes will be lost if this law goes through.

Maybe this data will get the politicians to back off this issue.

Neil