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Python Ban Proposed

A proposal to ban the sale and ownership of Burmese pythons and other dangerous snakes moves ahead at the state Capitol.

The legislation would ban anyone from owning, importing, selling or trading snakes on Florida's reptiles of concern list. That list includes six species, including Burmese pythons, Anacondas and the Nile monitor lizard.

It's estimated thousands of Burmese pythons are living in the Everglades, many of them former pets released by their owners.

Sen. Eleanor Sobel says the state must be proactive and keep certain snakes out of Florida.

"We can't legislate the many invasive species out of Florida but we can be proactive and prevent future problems. We should not allow reptiles that have the potential to damage our environment, the fragile ecosystem in the Everglades, or threaten public safety."

Eugene Bessette, representing the reptile industry, opposes the bill because he says bans don't work.

He contends politicians are trying to turn this into an emotional issue by hyping the threat to public safety.

"The public is safe in the state of Florida. The public is more at harm from feral cats and feral hawks and that's an issue nobody wants to touch. Ya' know what I'm saying. You're talking about the senseless killing of unnecessary wildlife in the Everglades is done by feral cats. But no, we can't touch grandma's feral cats."

On Tuesday, a Senate committee moved the bill along to the next committee, where supporters say they will add a provision to ban Internet sales of dangerous snakes.

Dave Heller

Here is the link.

http://www.wtsp.com/news/state/story.aspx?storyid=125436&catid=19

This is from USARK

UPDATE: Florida S318 Passes Committee

Today the Florida Senate Environmental Preservation and Conservation Committee held a hearing to consider S318. Despite over 3700 emails generated by the USARK campaign opposing S318 the Florida Senate gave it a favorable rating and passed it out of Committee. USARK is very disappointed that more consideration and debate was not given this bill prior to being passed.

Another bill, S572 sponsored by Committee Chairman Constantine, was also given a favorable rating and passed out of Committee with little debate. Apparently text of this bill was not complete until late last night, and was not available for review prior to the Committee hearing. This bill is reported to address stricter penalties for violation Reptiles of Concern (ROC) statutes, as well as permits for dealers making internet sales into the state of Florida.

USARK is very concerned that these two bills passed with so little consideration and debate. We urge the Florida Senate to heed the recommendations of the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission and the ROC TAG Committee commissioned to provide viable solutions. Currently we believe these bills represent the potential for economic and environmental disaster for the State of Florida. Hopefully a constructive dialogue can be engaged and a more pragmatic bill be substituted prior to a floor vote.

USARK will continue to engage the bill sponsors, Committee Leadership and Committee Staff to protect the rights of Florida Keepers to own and trade reptiles legally.