FAQ on S. 373 - Summary
What is S. 373 and what is its main goal?
- S. 373 is a bill introduced by Senator Bill Nelson (D of Florida) as an attempt to address the spread of the Burmese python beyond its already-established range of the Everglades National Park by adding them to Title 18 of the US Code – and therefore punishable by the Lacey Act.
What is the current complete list of animals on S. 373?
- Pythons: Indian, Burmese, Reticulated, African Rock, and Southern African Rock
- Boa: All 10 subspecies of Boa constrictor (ie, imperator, constrictor, amarali, occidentalis, etc.)
- Anacondas: Yellow, Green, Dark Spotted, Beni/Bolivian
What are some of the criticisms of the bill?
- This bill is being pushed by anti-pet organizations.
- It doesn’t address the problem of Burmese pythons in the Everglades and is not supported by good science.
What will be the legal effect of adding these species to Title 18?
- It will be illegal to move any of the above animals, offspring, or eggs across state lines, for any reason unless a permit is obtained (available to vets, schools, zoos, etc. Not available to private owners, breeders, dealers, importers, etc.)
What are some of the practical implications of adding these species to Title 18 and subsequently invoking the Lacey Act?
- It will be illegal to seek out veterinary care across state lines
- It will be illegal to move to another state and bring your pets with you
- Thousands of family owned businesses will fail overnight
What are some of the potential penalties of violating the Lacey Act?
- Destroying the animal involved, massive fines and prison time, seizure of the vessel used to transport
I’ve heard S. 373 will ban the ownership of Burmese pythons and the other animals listed. Will I have to resort to euthanasia?
- S. 373 will not ban the ownership, breeding, possession, or sale of, any of the animals listed or their offspring, within the confines of the state of origin, as long as the animal was not obtained illegally.
- You will not have to resort to euthanasia. You are allowed to keep your pet as long as you never leave the state with it.
I’ve heard that S. 373 will make it illegal to own or transport a snakeskin wallet, hat, purse, etc.
- This only applies to raw materials (ie, snakeskin), not finished goods (ie, hats)
Is there documentation to support the claim that irresponsible owners have released Burmese pythons into the Everglades?
- According to the Everglades National Park employees, “no”.
I don’t own any of the species listed above, why should I care? The government and the HSUS are not attacking my interests.
- The first attempt at banning all non-native animals failed. This is the first step in an attempt to systematically destroy the entire pet industry, group by group. Your animals are likely next.
How does this differ from, or relate to the Rules for Reptiles of Concern (ROC) in Florida?
- The ROC rules require that keepers apply for a $100 annual permit and microchip each animal greater than 2” in diameter in their possession of the following species: Pythons: Indian, Burmese, African Rock, Amethystine, Reticulated. Anaconda: Green. Monitor: Nile. ROC places no restrictions on interstate sale and transport.
How does this differ from HR 2811?
- The language of HR2811 and S. 373 started out identical, but have been amended differently to encompass different animals. S. 373 will likely be the language adopted.
If this law does go into effect, will owners/breeders/etc. be given some type of "grace period" to move out of state (or country), modify their business plan or do whatever else is necessary to keep their animals? Will there be a class action suit?
- Generally, bills signed into law go into effect January 1, of the next year.
- Although it seems we will have the necessary prerequisites to initiate a class action suit, cost will be prohibitive.
How can I help?
- Minimum, sign up to receive emails from USARK (
www.usark.org).
- Helpful, join USARK and/or donate.
- Better, contact your Senators and House representatives. Be polite! Tell them why you oppose S. 373 and HR 2811. Do this often.
- Best, visit your Senators and House representatives in person. Contact USARK for talking points.
- Spread the message. Tell everyone who will listen and gain his or her commitment to help!
