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Pa. bill would ban private ownership of exotic animals
Some Pennsylvania lawmakers want to bring the state's law in line with New Jersey's, by enacting a similar ban on private ownership of most categories of large wild animals. The bill passed a House committee last spring and is awaiting action in the full chamber.

"My legislation would change the law so that ownership of specific wild animals for private entertainment would be considered the mistreatment of that wildlife, therefore protecting the safety of Pennsylvanians as well as these animals," Rep. Ed Staback (D., Lackawanna) said.

articles.philly.com/2011-10-20/news/30301720_1_wild-animals-exotic-animals-wayne-pacelle

Virginia urged to strengthen exotic pet laws
McDonnell spokesman Tucker Martin said the governor would look into the matter.

“The Governor is concerned about any threats to public safety that could be presented by personal ownership of such animals,” Martin said via e-mail. “In the wake of yesterday’s tragic situation in Ohio, the Administration will look further into the laws in the Commonwealth regarding this issue.”
www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/virginia-politics/post/virginia-urged-to-strengthen-exotic-pet-laws/2011/10/20/gIQA8ESm0L_blog.html?wprss=virginia-politics

VA is not even close to proposing any further regulations, let alone passing a total ban on exotic animals.

Tone down the hyperbole.

@StephF: The purpose of my posting this is to convey information to members here on Kingsnake.com residing in these respective states as to what is being said, and going on in their respective legislatures. If, and when any legislation is introduced in these states, I will post further news updates as I receive them. Let's not wait until legislation proposing to ban "all constricting snakes" is proposed, as was in the state of Ohio, before taking any action. I simply encourage any and all members residing in or who do business in these states to be aware of what is going on in their own states, and to take appropriate action if, or when necessary.

However, if you wish to keep your head buried in the sand and pretend that this is not happening, then I suposed that decision is up to you...

You appear to be very fond of making illogical assumptions. My head is not buried in the sand by any means.

Thanks for your unwarranted concern.

In wake of the Zainsville OH incident, which IMO has gained unprecedented levels of media attention as far as exotic animals go, politicians in many states other than just Ohio will view this as a prime opportunity to buy them as much popularity as they can in the political popularity. Unfortunatly, the public's votes are what count for many more of them looking to make names for themselves, than do those seeking input and knowledge from individuals and organizations with the knowledge and expertise with these animals. Unfortunatly, much of the voting non reptile public does not differentiate between "exotic animals" or truly understand what it really means. It will be very easy for reptiles to be slipped into a bill in response to an incident that had all to do with large carnivorous mammalia (i.e. lions, tigers, wolves), and nothing to do with herps.

Large, well funded multi million $$ NGOs such as the Humane Society of the U.S. (H.S.U.S) and other anti-reptile, and other exotics keeping orgs will be pouring tremendous sums of campaign money into politicians who are willing to

All the more reason for all to pay heed, wouldn't one think?

Jumping to conclusions, and then broadcasting them as fact when they are merely conjecture serves no purpose.

I happen to live in Virginia, where the governor has stated simply that he intends to review the laws. I sincerely doubt that the Republican governor, who is currently jockeying for national office, would want his stamp of approval on such 'burdensome' regulation.

At this point it is VERY premature to state unequivocally, as you have done, that VA will ban exotic pets immediately. Not to put too fine a point on things, but the statement that VA is actively moving to ban exotics is, at this stage, false. More succinctly, a lie.

If your notion of disseminating information is to shout "fire" in a crowded theater so that you can find a better seat, then you have a lot to learn when it comes to preserving your credibility.

So again, tone down the hyperbole.