This is the letter I sent to my congresswoman:
Subject: Oppose HR669
Dear Rep. Giffords,
I oppose HR669. It has no basis in proven science or common sense. To ban the import, sale, trade, transport and breeding of pets kept by millions of Americans would devastate the economy further and destroy a multi-billion dollar industry – much of which is made up of small, family-owned businesses.
Here in your own district, you have several well-established local businesses that would be horribly affected by the passage of this Bill. There are several nationally-prominent reptile veterinarians in Tucson; how would they stay in business with this Bill? Also affected would be individual hobbyists, local food suppliers, and even entire sections of large chain stores like Petco and Petsmart… and all of this would directly hurt your pet-owning constituents and (more importantly) the animals they care for.
For myself, as for the many pet owners across America, our reptiles, birds, fish, guinea pigs, etc. are sources of great joy and happiness. I would -- and have! -- spent my last dime on the well-being of my animals.
The responsible keeping of harmless exotic animals as pets is a great and eco-friendly way to preserve a species’ population and genetic diversity; it encourages captive breeding and everyone benefits. This Bill would benefit no one at all; it can only do harm.
Please do not pass HR669, and please let it be known to the sponsors of this bill that it would badly impact your own constituents.
Thank you,
(me.)
I want to write to the co-sponsors, but they say they don't pay any attention unless it's from the district. Is there anything else I can do?
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