hr669 update

[BHB]

Just got an e-mail from PIJAC and they are very concerned that a lot of the feedback they are getting is that a lot of the congressional offices are telling people that we are over reacting and that the animals we all keep will be on the approved list and that we have nothing to worry about. Of course the reality is that if the animals that we keep are not in any jeopardy then why do they have a risk assestment attached to them to get on the approved list as well as why do some of the special interest groups that are pushing this through congress have ball pythons on their brochures?? They could easily re write the bill so that there is no grey areas. Do you feel comfortable with our fate in the hands of an already flawed bill??? We need to really get the word out that this tactic is to stop the phone calls and e-mails that they are getting flooded with. We have to not only keep the pressure up but increase the pressure. In a way this is good news, we are getting them sick of us and they want us to go away. We have to make sure that we tell everyone that we need to keep turning up the pressure and to NOT listen to things that are not backed in truth, but in empty promises! They can just change the wording of the proposed bill if our animals are not in danger. Why don't they do that???? Please spread the word to everyone you know about this latest tactic. We do now want people to start to think that we are okay and stop e-mailing, writing letters, calling, and meeting with their reps. Thanks again for everyones support! Brian(BHB)

[PythonWallace]

Word. I think we all know that politicians and double-speak go hand in hand. Put in in writing or deal with the outrage. It's good to see we are already getting their attention.

We already have the Lacy Act and hundreds of other local and state-wide legislation in place for dangerous or invasive species. If this isn't an outright attack on our pets, then change the wording. It won't happen, because if they changed to wording to something reasonable and based in reality, it would just reflect existing legislation that apparently is not nearly good enough for the USHS to reach their goal of getting ALL pets outlawed.

[Chuck]

I think it is clear with all the legislation coming our way they are clearly not looking out for us so kill the bill, kill the bill. You have a right to oppose this bill weather you are overreacting or not. The lacy act cover invasive wildlife this bill is an attempt to use existing legislation and modify it to make fast devastating far reaching changes to invasive species list with little to know input from anyone. Make no mistake this bill is the knife in your back people.

Chuck

[Jenn]

This is great news. And you are right Brian, now is the time to really hammer on them.

[jsmorphs2]

I think we are reacting appropriately. The bill is way to vague!!! We are just trying to protect our interests. Now they will know how we feel and HOPEFULLY revise the bill with out putting ALL non-native species under one big umbrella type legislation. They should have ALREADY formed and approved list and not left it open ended. Would have saved many people from undue stress. It seems like the "shoot first, ask questions later" attitude to me.

[Chuck]

Have you guys look at how fast they will make a determination on which species will be considered invasive. That isn't even enough time to gather accurate data on a fraction of the species they will be looking at much less make informed proper decisions. I am telling you this bill is a hidden agenda if I have ever seen one.

Chuck

[jkobylka]

This is GREAT news! Keep up the pressure everyone! They are getting worried!

Justin

[kc261]

I spoke with an alpaca breeder who said she had spoken with "some lawmakers" who had told her that the bill would not affect alpacas because they are livestock, not wildlife. I told her she should read the bill herself and make her own decision, because the bill defines "nonnative wildlife" as "any live species or subspecies of animal that is not a native species or subspecies, whether or not born or raised in captivity".

Yeah, they aren't being honest with us. We all know what promises from politicians mean.

[wolfy-hound]

Yes.. why ban everything, thens ay you'll give some species back? Why not ban the species you're worried about? The bill is written backwards!
I can imagine if the government said "We're going to take ALL the guns in the whole country.. then we'll see who we decide gets their gun back."
Yeah. "Trust the government" you'll never hear those words out of my mouth, unless it's with a sarcastic smirk.

[Sputnik]

They are just plain unhappy we are reacting and reacting in a big way.... they want us gone period and don't like the opposition they are getting from us.

Keep it up everybody, we have everything to lose!