Our growing hobby and its effects

[littleindiangirl]

Will the growing popularity of keeping reptiles stop or slow down the negative laws being put into place for any reptiles? Or will it make the public cry for more laws and obstacles as more people keep them?

[jkobylka]

I think that as the industry continues to grow the laws on individuals with pets will not nessisarily increase significantly but I think that the government will step in to further regulate breeders and dealers, etc.

It really depends on if someone in congress becomes hot to pass laws about it. Even if they have far bigger fish to fry, many will look to pass some kind of legislation just so they appear to be doing something.... for many of thier constituents who misunderstand reptiles and their keepers this would be popular legislation.... grr.

Justin

[littleindiangirl]

With the story about Snake keeper getting so grandly ripped off because of the locals, I think the entire community is going to find it harder in the future with keeping any exotics. Even if the majority of people go out and get those permits, the ones that don't are going to attract bad attention from the law makers.

On a side note, how many of you feed live? It's an ongoing cause by the self proclaimed "rat lady" that she wants to outlaw the feeding of live rats, and eventually stop the feeding of rats period. Another way we're under fire because we feed scary monsters cute fuzzy animals. :/

[Freakie_frog]

On a side note, how many of you feed live? It's an ongoing cause by the self proclaimed "rat lady" that she wants to outlaw the feeding of live rats, and eventually stop the feeding of rats period. Another way we're under fire because we feed scary monsters cute fuzzy animals. :/

Never happen on a nation wide basis. Its people that don't understand what our hobby requires that causes the problems.

[lord jackel]

One thing that we all need to be aware is that the generalist population's perception is based on the news (and ingrained thought unsubstantiated fears). If all they see are the morons that allow their 14' Retic to strangle them or the village idiot who keeps HOTs illigally get bitten or allow someone else to get bitten then YES the laws will change and for the worse.

We all must campaign everyday to our neighbors, schools, politicians and news media about the value and benefit of reptiles. I know my representatives from the city level on up and they all have an open invatation to stop over and meet and interact with my reptiles (2 actually have). I have gone to the local schools here to educate the students about reptiles and why they shouldn't be feared and destroyed at will. I write letters and make calls whenever the news starts trying to make a case or show reptiles in a poor light...but I am just one person everyone needs to do what they can so a small piece of hidden legislation doesn't sneak up and bite us in the ARSH.

Ok off my soapbox now.

[littleindiangirl]

I am really grateful that there are people out there willing to parade everyday for the good of our hobby. Especially Pijac. I also think the only way we will really get through to people with misconceptions about the hobby is by getting more and more peope involved. So it does seem like a double edge sword to me.
I just was thinking about it from what BT and Larry were discussing with Brian on Reptile Radio this past saturday.