Kill Louisiana- HB1354 Reptile Ban

Kill Louisiana- HB1354 Reptile Ban
Louisiana House Bill 1354 was introduced by Representative Hill. It was rushed through the LA House and then the Senate. 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 permit requirements and penalties for violation for private possession of constrictor snakes over 6 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. USARK has offered our expertise to help the State of Louisiana address issues of concern, and we oppose the poorly thought out bill that the Representative Hill has fielded to deal with an isolated incident in Allen Parish. It is appalling to see the misinformation and faitytales bandied about during the Senate hearing on this bill. Science, logic and facts should be the only things considered. If passed as currently written this bill will cost the Louisiana dearly; in dollars as well as the animal welfare nightmare it will create. It would put undue financial burdens on our members, and would serve absolutely no purpose other than raising money for the State. HB 1354 would not have prevented the incident in Allen Parish. We emplore the members of the Louisiana Senate to say No on HB1354.

HB1354 could be Voted on in the Louisiana Senate as early as Wednesday, May 26, 2010.

Click here to OPPOSE HB1354: http://usark.org/campaign.php?id=18

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!!