An Idea to Let FWS Know How We Really Feel.

I have a notion on how to make our displeasure felt if this ban is added on the date they have specified, and goes into effect.

This is the application form that one would need to fill out in order to receive a permit to transport injurious wildlife.
http://www.fws.gov/forms/3-200-42.pdf

My suggestion would be that anyone remotely wishing to transport one of the animals between States, for any reason, fill out and submit the form. Even if you just want to take your pet Burm for a picnic in a neighboring State. Every time. It will be denied, but they sincerely deserve to have to process it. If you like this idea, spread the word. I would like to see them with a stack of paperwork on their desk so tall, it becomes impossible to move anything legally, because they can't find the request forms from actual zoos. This may seem unfair to 'legitmate' institutions, but their complaints will only help us get the ban repealed. None of this has been fair to anyone, after all. FWS deserves far worse than a stack of daily paperwork reaching to the ceiling, but it is most certainly something that will ensure they will never forget how many people have been hurt.

If there wasn't a fee associated with it I would think the idea might work. If you look at section E there is a min of $25 processing fee. My guess is anyone sending these in without an attached form of payment would be automatically rejected without everything being read. I don't have the money to keep sending these FWS to keep them swamped in paper work. :(

Aw, I didn't see the fee...that's too bad.

Oh, well. :P It was such a pretty image, too.

it is a way for breeders to stay in business, though heavily limited

That permit is limited to zoo's, museums, educational organizations ect..... It does not apply to breeders. If you actually look at the application it has boxes to check for zoo, museum, educational , medical or something of the sort..

I wonder what it takes to get oneself certified as an 'educational institution'?

We need big names to endorse the fight. We have some in the industry. One name that comes to mind is kerry king from slayer. Anyone that has a big following that can drum up support is what we need

The problem with getting someone from a band named "Slayer" is that it won't reach the most critical people we need to reach.

I saw a picture of Betty White holding a snake. She would be a perfect spokeswoman for our cause, if she believes in it.

My mother and grandmothers wouldn't take the time to listen to Kerry King from Slayer, or any other tattooed, rough looking guy talk about snakes. However, put funny, adorable Betty White on camera talking about how amazing these creatures are, and it will reach so many more people.

A big rough, tattooed guy holding a snake won't help our image with the general public. A lovable elderly woman holding the same snake with a big smile on her face can definitely change some perspectives. It probably won't cause people to get over irrational fears of them, but they might think, "okay, they still aren't for me, but I guess they're not so bad after all."

The problem with using Betty White as a spokes person is that she is a huge HSUS supporter. She did support PETA at one point but last I heard she no longer supports that cause.

donna, don't you EVER research the ideas you throw out?

Why would anyone want to have that information out there if they didn't have to?

You go right ahead and attract all the attention you want, but how about letting those who don't want everyone in the world to know what they have in their homes, be left alone.

And what's with the needing a big name spokesperson? Do it yourself. No one is going to do it for you. Quit putting your lack of ability on someone else's shoulders. Names don't mean squat to anyone not heavily involved in reptiles. Heck, most names don't mean squat to those of us in reptiles as it is.

Chicken Little must be really important to some of you. Whether the sky is falling or not, posting foolish requests, unresearched directions as if you actually knew what you were talking about and continually beating the same dead horse serve no one in any positive way.

Better silent than stupid might be something a couple of you should look into adopting as a motto.