People are now releasing Burms to speed along S373

[Lucas339]

PR: Suspicious Python Release/ $18K Reward


Suspicious Python Release in Tampa; $18K Reward Offered


WILMINGTON, N.C., Dec. 15 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In Florida last week the AP reported a 12-foot long Burmese python was captured over the weekend of December 5th in Port Tampa by authorities. Vernon Yates of Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation in Seminole, says the snake's demeanor and condition indicate it is a pet that escaped or was released. The release occurred just days before a critical vote in the US Senate on whether to ban pythons in the United States. The bill being considered is S. 373 aka 'The Python Ban' Sponsored by Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL). If passed the bill would add many pythons and boas to the Injurious Wildlife list of the Lacey Act stopping the import, export and interstate transport of these animals. S. 373 is supported by the Humane Society of the United States, the largest animal rights group in the US that advocates for ending the trade in all captive bred reptiles.

Reptile industry professional Michael Cole of Tampa is concerned that the timing and circumstances of this python release are "suspicious." Cole commented that, "over the years there have been many suspected manufactured releases of animals at crucial turning points in reptile related legislation." A similar incident was perpetrated in North Carolina in 2008 when an ABC affiliate reported on a hoax involving two Monocled cobras released in Onslow County. WITN News reported that, "[NC wildlife officials] believe the snakes were placed there by the group Animal Protection Institute (API) to raise awareness in making it illegal for people to own exotic animals." In an e-mail to WITN News, API public relations director Zibby Wilder said her organization had nothing to do with the snake release. The API has since changed its name to Born Free USA and has cooperated with the Humane Society of the United States on anti-reptile legislation around the country.

Florida reptile professionals, the reptile industry and the United States Association of Reptile Keepers (USARK) have offered a reward of $18,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone involved with the illegal release of this Burmese python.

Source: United States Association of Reptile Keepers (USARK)
Contact: Andrew Wyatt president@usark.org

[Denial]

I have a feeling they have been doing this for a while.

[Jenn]

I'm afraid this may be just the tip of the iceberg. As people become afraid (or happy) that the bill may be gaining momentum we will saddly see alot more of this from both sides.

[twistedtails]

This HAS been going on for a while! I've been saying it all along. When the big box of snakes was found on a corner in Compton, CA. Or the time a big burmese was found under someone's car in Inglewood, CA. This was all happening shortly after HR2811 was proposed. The easiest way to influence society is through news and propoganda. I hope they catch who was behind the recent release back east! Good luck!

[steveboos]

I HATE immature people who just can't understand us reptile keepers. I wouldn't be suprised if Mr. Nelson orchestrated this release.

[Eventide]

I HATE immature people who just can't understand us reptile keepers. I wouldn't be suprised if Mr. Nelson orchestrated this release.

My money's on HSUS. We already know they don't give a crap about the actual animals.

[Foschi Exotic Serpents]

I saw this on USARKs forum as well. That is just crazy.

What I would love to do to the people who are like that..

It is good that a big award is being offered for info leading to their arrest though. Everyone needs to forward that on via email, facebook, myspace etc..

[mechnut450]

this is tottaly got to been planned.. I also bet this snake was unchipped as well. Ihope the person is caught and it linked to the the sentor and causes the bill to be scrapped .. ( that be dreaming) It a shame that this poor snake was used to be politcal interest. I am hoping that the news paper does not cause such an issue on my end in Delaware.

[West Coast Jungle]

I'm afraid this may be just the tip of the iceberg. As people become afraid (or happy) that the bill may be gaining momentum we will saddly see alot more of this from both sides.

That is one of my concerns. This bill may actually cause people to release animals out of irrational fear of being prosecuted or because they no longer are assest but now liabilities and with financial times being as tough as they are more people will cut their losses and let them go. This is exactly the opposite of what these misinformed politicians want to accomplish but they obviously not thought this out very much. Also what happens to people who move to another state? That would be illegal with your pet snake! Not to mention this does NOTHING to help the Everglades situation!

[Eventide]

You're exactly right, Raul. And I'm sure there will be a TON of owners who don't understand the law and think they will be prosecuted for even owning the snakes...and release them. It's an all-around terrible idea...but people are too busy pushing their own agendas to stop and think about what they're doing....