Kill Louisiana - HB1354 Reptile Ban

Kill Louisiana- HB1354 Reptile Ban
On April 20, 2010 Louisiana House Bill 1354 was introduced by Representative Hill. HB1354 would require a costly wholesale/retail dealer commercial permit for anyone who wants to engage in the sale, importation, or handling of native reptile and amphibian species. It would also increase penalties for permit violations for private possession of constrictor snakes over 12 feet long and listed venomous snakes.

USARK does not oppose the increased penalties for violations of current statute. However, we are strongly opposed to collectors, hobbyist breeders and pet owners being arbitrarily considered wholesale/ retail dealers. It would put undue financial burdens on our members, and would serve absolutely no purpose other than raising money for the State.

Click here to OPPOSE HB1354: http://usark.org/campaign.php?id=16

Click here to read HB1354: http://www.usark.org/uploads/LA-%20HB1354.pdf

There Is Strength in Numbers... Protect Your Rights! We can win this fight!!

UPDATE: HB 1354 heard before the House Committee on Natural Resources & Environment on May 5th and was passed with an amendment mandating permits to import or possess constrictors IN EXCESS OF 6 FEET. Bill awaits Floor action in the House.

I guess "they" don't think I pay enough state taxes. Will the money go towards funding some kind of big snake swat team? I doubt it!

Do other hobbyist have to pay for a permit? The only thing I can think of is hunting and fishing licenses.

I consider myself a reptile hobbyist/breeder. I don't think of myself as a dealer.

Looks like my hobby is getting more expensive!