Kiss your hobby goodbye!!!! USFW Proposed ban!!!!

To the point and professional is what everyone needs to be if we are going to represent our hobby, business or lifes work to the public and to the government.

We are a large group and a tight community, and the word needs to be spread.

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Originally Posted by LadyOhh

We are a large group and a tight community, and the word needs to be spread.

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I'm doing my part, and my best :) I have contacted a few friends/breeders on the issue, and it is being worked on. We all need to pitch in respectfully, and calmly. Jumping the guns just going to hurt (as previously stated).

I couldn't imagine my life without AfRocks in it...:(

This is what I am mailing... if I made any huge mistakes, please let me know so I can print a revised copy!

To whom it may concern,


Upon reading the proposed bill by the Fish and Wildlife regarding the stop shipment of all Eunectes, Boa, and Python species, (including import and export as well as basic city to city transport) I felt compelled to send this short letter to voice my concern.
I am only a small reptile hobbyist, but I believe that putting this bill into effect will have only a negative outcome on many levels. I am sure the multiple reasons of why this bill should be squelched have been brought to your attention. Addressing certain issues in the reptile community is understandable, as it is in the Equine, Avian, Mammal, Aquatic, etc... but this bill is not the correct answer to any current issues.

Best Regards,

Laura B. R.

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We need to respond to the proposed regs but we also need to write every one of our US elected officials, US representatives and senators, to make them understand why this isn't smart. Politics can come into play. This was issued by the beaurcrats - they can be influenced by politicians who do not like their voters upset.

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I agree 100% this can be killed with the right amount of political pressure. There are several politicians that have a say so in what gets written into law, and the most effective way to voice your opinion is to copy your letters to ALL of the higher level politicians for your area. You can address them by mail by phone or via the web.

I will be voicing my concern to the folks at F/W but also sending the concerns to othe governer of my state, my cogressman and my senator. Lets not be mad about this, lets roll up our sleeves and fight it using our unified voice.:salute:

This proposed shenanigans wouldn't keep current owners of say... Ball Pythons? From keeping them without some sort of fine or having to give up your pet would it?

I know we can stop this thing. I am having everyone I know write a letter even if they dont keep snakes.

Folks, don't forget to notify your local Herp society to help fight this as well! I recieved an e-mail about this last night from the leader of OCHS (Oklahoma City Herp. Society) and we all plan on writing letters as well.

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Originally Posted by Purrrfect9

Folks, don't forget to notify your local Herp society to help fight this as well! I recieved an e-mail about this last night from the leader of OCHS (Oklahoma City Herp. Society) and we all plan on writing letters as well.

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Good Idea!

This goes against free trade between the states to start with, the destruction of commerce in this industry/hobby which affects all the states revenue gathering and there are a number of other things it goes against as well....

This should be posted on all reptile forums. Print outs at show etc. All the big names need to step up to the plate on this as well as the hobbiest who has 1 ball python or 1 boa, lizard, turtle or can just show support!

Just posted this on my rescue site as well....

That is sad, why would they do such a thing???:(

Please note there were two ongoing threads on this topic so I've merged them together.

If I can add, if you own a website.... put this on your home page in plain view so it is seen first!

Someone really sharp needs to put together a petition like letter that everyone can stick there names on and post it on the net so that we can send it in. You could add a place on the bottom where everyone could put all their information. Wish I was net savy enough to do it. Just an idea.

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Originally Posted by FL0OD

Someone really sharp needs to put together a petition like letter that everyone can stick there names on and post it on the net so that we can send it in. You could add a place on the bottom where everyone could put all their information. Wish I was net savy enough to do it. Just an idea.

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Better than a petition is to go to the comment area and directly comment. This will have MUCH more impact on the committee than an anonymous petition. Take your time, form a well written, non-inflammatory comment and make sure that your grammar, spelling and punctuation are as perfect as you can make them.

The more people that comment on this, the more chance we will have to get some reason inserted instead of hysteria on the part of USFWS.

Here is a link directly to the comment area. The bill we are interested in is the second one in the list. Comments are being taken through April 30th. Keep in mind that this is just the first step in investigating the problem. While this is nowhere near becoming law, being vocal and representing ourselves well is a good thing to do from the very beginning.

http://www.regulations.gov/search/se...d=117DB9F243E8

Another idea is if someone wanted to start a Digg?

In an effort to write the best most effect letter I'm going to wait until Monday or Tuesday of next week in order to pull some hard facts to submit regarding the 10 areas they are most concerned with (listed below).

I will contact florida fish and wildlife and try and get the approximate number of individuals that have a permit to exhibit or sell reptiles in Florida.

I will contact Erin Williams at the branch of invasive species with Federal Fish and Wildlife and aim to get more detailed information regarding the procedures of a change in the proposed rules along with a long term time line of events that we can expect to take place.

I will contact PIJAC (http://www.pijac.org) to ensure they are aware of the issue and see where and how they can support us.

I will share all the information that I uncover as soon as physically possible and share it with the community.





"We are soliciting public comments and supporting data to gain
additional information and specifically seek comment on the following
questions:
(1) What regulations does your State have pertaining to the use,
transport, or production of Python, Boa and Eunectes genera?
(2) How many species in the Python, Boa and Eunectes genera are
currently in production for wholesale or retail sale, and in how many
and which States?
(3) How many businesses sell Python, Boa or Eunectes species?
(4) How many businesses breed Python, Boa or Eunectes species?
(5) What are the annual sales for Python, Boa or Eunectes species?
(6) Please provide the number of Python, Boa or Eunectes species,
if any, permitted within each State.
(7) What would it cost to eradicate Python, Boa or Eunectes
individuals or populations, or similar species, if found?
(8) What are the costs of implementing propagation, recovery, and
restoration programs for native species that are affected by Python,
Boa or Eunectes species, or similar snake species?
(9) What State-listed species would be impacted by the introduction
of Python, Boa or Eunectes species?
(10) What species have been impacted, and how, by Python, Boa or
Eunectes species?"

First BSL (Breed Specific Legislation) and now they are going to try Species Specific? That's great. I already had a lot on my plate with people thinking the American Pit Bull Terrier and other "game dog breeds" are the only dogs on earth capable of biting someone. They will never stop, will they?

Somehow it seems they don't understand that banning something only makes it more appealing to the people that actually do bad things. No matter if they have one animal taken, they'll just go get another. No matter if at some point they can't find that type of animal anymore they'll just get a different one and start the process all over again.

I'm glad I have a lot of ink in my printer as I am printing out a letter for each of my family members, friends, and neighbors. And trust me, that's a lot! I'm glad they trust me and just sign whatever official letter I send to them heh. Count me for about 200 signed letters!

I am currently in discussions with a legal representative about the best way to organize and voice our concerns to the appropriate elected officials , and also address these concerns with FWS. I will post any replies or ideas here. I would also volunteer a domain and web space for any web based initiatives that are presented.

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Originally Posted by BulldogBalls

I'm glad I have a lot of ink in my printer as I am printing out a letter for each of my family members, friends, and neighbors. And trust me, that's a lot! I'm glad they trust me and just sign whatever official letter I send to them heh. Count me for about 200 signed letters!

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Thats awsome.:gj:

I will have to round up as many responses as possible. I would hate my hobby to be over before I even get a good start. We are still having to worry about breed specific crap on dogs. First the government wants in our bedrooms, now they want to take our pets,.:mad:

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE

Find the time to write a letter and send it. You may think there are enough people doing this already but the more they recieve the better. If we are loud enough and send them enough (respectful) letters perhaps in the future they will think twice before trying this stuff again.

We need to let our voices be heard.

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Originally Posted by neilgolli

In an effort to write the best most effect letter I'm going to wait until Monday or Tuesday of next week in order to pull some hard facts to submit regarding the 10 areas they are most concerned with (listed below).

I will contact florida fish and wildlife and try and get the approximate number of individuals that have a permit to exhibit or sell reptiles in Florida.

I will contact Erin Williams at the branch of invasive species with Federal Fish and Wildlife and aim to get more detailed information regarding the procedures of a change in the proposed rules along with a long term time line of events that we can expect to take place.

I will contact PIJAC (http://www.pijac.org) to ensure they are aware of the issue and see where and how they can support us.

I will share all the information that I uncover as soon as physically possible and share it with the community.





"We are soliciting public comments and supporting data to gain
additional information and specifically seek comment on the following
questions:
(1) What regulations does your State have pertaining to the use,
transport, or production of Python, Boa and Eunectes genera?
(2) How many species in the Python, Boa and Eunectes genera are
currently in production for wholesale or retail sale, and in how many
and which States?
(3) How many businesses sell Python, Boa or Eunectes species?
(4) How many businesses breed Python, Boa or Eunectes species?
(5) What are the annual sales for Python, Boa or Eunectes species?
(6) Please provide the number of Python, Boa or Eunectes species,
if any, permitted within each State.
(7) What would it cost to eradicate Python, Boa or Eunectes
individuals or populations, or similar species, if found?
(8) What are the costs of implementing propagation, recovery, and
restoration programs for native species that are affected by Python,
Boa or Eunectes species, or similar snake species?
(9) What State-listed species would be impacted by the introduction
of Python, Boa or Eunectes species?
(10) What species have been impacted, and how, by Python, Boa or
Eunectes species?"

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A lot of the environmental concerns don't even apply in colder states because pythons and boas won't survive a single winter, let alone a fall or spring.

It concerns me that at least they are gathering your private info and what they will do with it. And if you don't respond to the listed questions, do they dispose of your written response as a don't count one?

What is kind of concerning is the amount of people I'm finding who are FOR the ban. I'm getting a lot of feedback from various places this was posted and wow....

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Originally Posted by Entropy

What is kind of concerning is the amount of people I'm finding who are FOR the ban. I'm getting a lot of feedback from various places this was posted and wow....

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Can you elaborate?

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Originally Posted by Sputnik

A lot of the environmental concerns don't even apply in colder states because pythons and boas won't survive a single winter, let alone a fall or spring.

It concerns me that at least they are gathering your private info and what they will do with it. And if you don't respond to the listed questions, do they dispose of your written response as a don't count one?

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I don't mind giving up personal info. I'm actually going to include all of my sales revenue income and expenses in my letter. They want to here a bit about about the business side of things and I pay a fair share of taxes, both federal and sales tax. I produce, buy and sell. I spent nearly $300,000 this year. Money I put back in the hands of other breeders and into the economy as a whole. They are not stating they are going to take your animals away from you, they are trying to "protect" the native species.....

I'll ask about any requirements to the letters to Erin

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Originally Posted by Entropy

What is kind of concerning is the amount of people I'm finding who are FOR the ban. I'm getting a lot of feedback from various places this was posted and wow....

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Are you on peta message boards?

Some of the responses.

"Yes it is important. As in, it's a pretty damn good idea as long as exceptions are made for properly licensed and permitted individuals who can provide decent care and secure housing. As a zoo employee, it makes me absolutely sick to see the number of abuse and neglect cases that get dumped on us. A lot of them end up dying despite immediate support care when they get to us. I don't think the average yahoo should be able to casually buy exotic pets off the shelf that have special needs to stay healthy and comfortable, eg, iguanas and pythons. I wouldn't want to see well qualified private keepers banned from working with these species, but there needs to be a little more care and thought given to acquiring these animals. A basic license/permit situation would be a big step in the right direction of stopping the abuse and neglect that I see of these animals. And we surely do not need to take any more of them out of the wild. Sustainable captive breeding works just fine."

"I think this is a pretty good idea. I'm sure everyone will try to hang me for it, however:

While it is unforunate for people looking to purchase carpet and blood pythons and smaller boas, there isnt' any reason people would need a retic, anaconda, rock or burmese python in their home. While they are amazing animals, anything that is dangerous to one's neighbors shouldn't be kept. This is why you can't keep tigers or cobras without permits. Yes, there are plenty of people that take good care of large snakes, and confine them properly, but there are more people that don't. They wind up torturing the animal, killing it, or simply disposing of it in the most convienent manner.

Large pythons and anacondas are a SERIOUS threat to natural wildlife. This includes birds, mammals, and the incredible American alligator, which only in the last couple of decades has recovered its numbers. Encroaching species in the florida everglades is the next natural disaster, which we can't avoid forever if irresponsible people are continued to be allowed to simply drop their unwanted pythons when they reach 12 ft+. If we don't want this legislation, than we have to allow people to euthanize their unwanted animals, like we do with shelter dogs and cats, and no one wants that.

This will not stop the trade either. People can continue to sell instate. I believe expos are extremely detrimental by selling large snakes to people who buy them on impulse, thinking at best, they have years before the animals becomes umanagable, which simply isn't true. At worst, having no idea what they are taking on.

It is unfortunate that such legislation is paintbrushing over relatively harmless species that are easy to care for, such as carpet, blood, and tree pythons and boas. I request that people direct their complaints towards THIS part of the legislation, hoping it is modified to allow for the continued trade in harmless, managable spcecies."

Hey Guys, JasCorns here. Whats all the fuss about? We buy sell and ship Fat cornsnakes Not Ball pythons!! YUCKKYYYY...:salute::salute:

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Originally Posted by JASBALLS

Hey Guys, JasCorns here. Whats all the fuss about? We buy sell and ship Fat cornsnakes Not Ball pythons!! YUCKKYYYY...:salute::salute:

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The colors and number of morphs are getting closer.....

I'm thinish, my momma's not, but were both people

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Originally Posted by neilgolli

The colors and number of morphs are getting closer.....

I'm thinish, my momma's not, but were both people

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HAHAHA!!!

On a serious note. I'm going to write a letter to these Jack...
But I'm going to forward a copy of my letter here. For approval.. Should take me a few days to get the Bad words out of it though.. Rock on Sisters and Brothers!!!

WE GOT THIS!!!!:gj:

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Originally Posted by neilgolli

I don't mind giving up personal info. I'm actually going to include all of my sales revenue income and expenses in my letter. They want to here a bit about about the business side of things and I pay a fair share of taxes, both federal and sales tax. I produce, buy and sell. I spent nearly $300,000 this year. Money I put back in the hands of other breeders and into the economy as a whole. They are not stating they are going to take your animals away from you, they are trying to "protect" the native species.....

I'll ask about any requirements to the letters to Erin

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Isn't info they'd already have access to anyway? I'm just asking, not poking a stick at you....

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Originally Posted by Entropy

What is kind of concerning is the amount of people I'm finding who are FOR the ban. I'm getting a lot of feedback from various places this was posted and wow....

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There's a guy on Mike Wilbanks' forum that I posted this on preaching that this is a great idea. He's doing the same on Bob's forum. People keep seeming to buy it, when they don't realize, when you give the government an inch, they take a mile. The guys had a hard on for me for a while, with any debate, being a "know it all"...

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Originally Posted by Sputnik

Isn't info they'd already have access to anyway? I'm just asking, not poking a stick at you....

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The IRS has it, but they don't talk to Fish and wildlife and fish and wild life has not real avenue for getting that info.

Im speechless

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Originally Posted by patthesnakeman

Im speechless

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Thats a first! This must be bad...

In there bill then are commenting on the effects of agricultural areas...What is grown in the Everglades??? As far as I know most of the Everglades has been established as National wetland parks.

The majority of agricultural producinig states do not support an evironment which any of these snakes can thrive in, let alone survive a single winter.

Key points to consider when writing.


Does anyone know if they are generally targeting the lowe states with this? I haven't been able to get a clear picture from my breif read throughs of the proposed legislation.

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Originally Posted by JASBALLS

Thats a first! This must be bad...

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Nah, he was eating baby back ribs with sauce!

they were beef actually!!!!!!!.........jerk lol :rofl:

Sry guys this is all about taxes nothing more. They can't figure out how to tax breeders! To many times i've gone to big shows Daytona and T'Park and have heard some of the big boys brag about making BIG BUCKS.

Remember this for the most part is a cash Biz. Do think they all report it to the IRS?:rofl:

An online petition has been created: http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/boasandpythonsban/

I agree, however, that it might be better if we gather our data and write our letters or comment on their site. Remember, they are leaving this open for us... they are giving us an opportunity to prove to them why this would not be a good thing for the community or the economy. They want DATA. So let's give it to them!

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Originally Posted by Wolves-N-Dogs

Sry guys this is all about taxes nothing more.

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I think you are wrong on that aspect, think many of the problems that they are trying to use as examples are just poor thought processes. Think that its obvious that irresponsible pet owners have ruined many good things in this country, and not opposed to people needing a permit for large species so that the good guys have a fighting chance at keeping the animals they choose to love.

Think alot of these laws come from lack of education and people assuming a python gets 20 feet long and will kill you. whether they are talking about balls, retics, or bloods. They are categorized into one.

Parts of these laws are on the right track to the good of snakes, such as taking imports out of the hands of the petco's in this country. Can promise that people that want the pet cuz it might be neat to have, will not go thru the troubles of hunting down a breeder to get the pet they want to keep for a week or two.

But as hobbyists read thru these regulations we need to realize that if we dont agree with so much as one part of these thoughts that we need to voice our opinion and shut down the uneducated idiots trying to quitely pass laws without the general publics knowledge.

As person stated earlier about how great this law is cuz it will stop irresponsible people, but you dont realize it will stop the people that do the best for there animals. If these are your thoughts, you are just as bad as any ignorant person that thinks snakes are evil. Voice your opinion also and state that as you may agree to some parts of this law, it is still being over generalized and needs to be thought out more logically.

I wrote up a rough draft...anybody wanna edit it or add/take out something? I tried to appeal to the "american pride" "democracy" thing as well as the economical standpoint.

To whom it may concern,
I am writing in response to the recent proposed bill regarding the Injurious Wildlife Species; Review of Information Concerning Constrictor Snakes From Python, Boa, and Eunectes genera. I am highly concerned about the repercussions this bill will cause should it be passed; in addition to stifling the entrepreneurial nature of Americans with an interest in the reptiles addressed by the bill and thus causing the US federal government to lose out on all of the sales and transportation taxes that are currently gained and will in the future—assuming that the bill does not, as I hope, pass—it will also cause a great economical recession in multiple economies. Not only will import and export tariffs from the hundreds of thousands of imported and exported animals each year be lost, so too will the jobs of thousands of people both in our country and in Africa and South America. We will loose, in effect, an entire economy; the export and import of these animals is a major source of income for many people, and many businesses would go out of business without the ability to import and export these animals. Additionally many businesses which breed in the USA and sell in the USA almost exclusively, but ship the animals out of state to make more sales, would suffer an enormous cut in profits, and would end up going out of business as well, possibly costing the federal government more money in social security and unemployment, and most certainly losing a great deal of money injected directly into the economy and stimulating it.

Not only are hobbyists and breeders and importers affected, so too will all retail stores featuring reptiles and reptile care equipment. When breeders are no longer able to transport between states, pet stores will no longer be able to carry many of the common species of python and boas and eunectes, because they will not be able to purchase the animals. Because they will not be able to sell the animals, many might cease to carry and sell much of the reptile based merchandise such as bedding, tanks, screen enclosures, heating elements, heat lamps, feeder rodents, heat cord, heat tape, flexwatt, mite treatment chemicals, cleaning chemicals, snake water bowls, misting equipment, humidifiers, thermometers, hygrometers, proportional thermostats, rack systems, tubs, rodent cages, rodent bedding, rodent water bottles, wooden climbing logs, snake hides, half-log hides, heat bulbs, electronic heat emitters, etc. which make up a startlingly large portion of money directly injected into the pet economy. Because of the sudden, widespread, and drastic drop in sales, many companies which design and manufacture these products will go out of business or file for bankruptcy, and widespread downsizing will result in enormous job losses. These workers will have to search for more work in an economy already in recess, and will be spending less money themselves, further exacerbating the recent rise in home mortgages falling through as people are unable to make payments, causing interest rates to rise higher and for it to be more difficult for people to secure loans. Because there will not be a new economy to replace the old one centering around reptiles and the things necessary to keep them, these workers, business owners, breeders, and importers will most likely not be able to find a job very easily, furthering the rise in unemployment rates.

On the other hand, rather than banning the import, export, and trade of these animals, I would suggest that you seek to broaden the recent laws passed in Florida which require permits for keeping, breeding, and selling certain species. I will not deny that it is a problem when irresponsible owners buy their small 18’’ Burmese python baby, and six months later don’t know what to do with their now 6 foot Burmese baby, and release it into the wild…however, we in the herpetological community do not condone such behavior or keeping practices, and we do not engage in irresponsible ownership, either. We do our best to teach new reptile owners proper ways to care for and keep their pets in such a way that they will not escape nor overwhelm their owners with their size. We do not affiliate ourselves with the irresponsible few who are doing such things. We as a community feel that this law should not be passed; there are always better solutions, always more democratic and positive solutions, than banning something altogether. We as a community are eager to search for and find a better way than this, a way which will make everyone happy and which will result in a more educated public, fewer loose animals, a more stable and enriched economy, and no bans on our hobbies, our businesses, our passions, and our pets.

At the same time, it is also important to consider that many of the long-held “truths” people “know” about the animals we keep are little more than myth, speculation, and unfounded fears. Better than any ban would be a system created to inform the public; a system wherein any customer seeking to purchase a large snake must be given a booklet informing them how large and fast the animal will grow, its behavioral patterns, its housing requirements, feeding requirements, and lifespan, in an effort to give people an idea of what they are getting into in making the purchase. A person should not be able to just walk into a store, point out a Burmese python and walk out of it without so much as proving that they know how large the snake will get…however, they should always have the right to buy that snake, to sell that snake, and to do so across state boundaries, if they are doing so in a safe and responsible manner.

I’m just asking you to give us a chance to prove to you, and to the public, that we can do better than this. Americans are better than this ban that’s being imposed, and moreover, all of us in the herpetological community want to strive to be better, for ourselves and for the sake of the animals.

Thank you for your time and your consideration.
Sincerely, Brandi Hitchew

wow Brandi- it looks good, and I couldent have put it better!

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Originally Posted by Seneschal

I wrote up a rough draft...anybody wanna edit it or add/take out something? I tried to appeal to the "american pride" "democracy" thing as well as the economical standpoint. . . . Thank you for your time and your consideration.
Sincerely, Brandi Hitchew[/I]

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Brandi and others, as I understand it, this is not a proposed bill, but regulations being put forth by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services. There is a huge difference.

A bill must be introduced by an elected official, voted on and passed by the majority and then signed into law by our President. Proposed regs are written by the federal bureaucrats in Washington, many times with help from public interest groups or lobbists. Federal bureaucrats are the people who work for the government. In many cases they are much more powerful than our elected officials, especially if they have been there a long time. I've seen government agencies drag out implementation of a signed bill for years because they didn't like it or through proposed rule making, change the entire concept of a signed bill. I think it is funny that dictionary.com defines a bureaucrat as "an official who works by fixed routine without exercising intelligent judgment."

We should be smart by sending well thought out comments and answers to the questions in the proposed regs to US Fish and Wildlife, the agency who has proposed these rules. But lets not stop there - we also need to hit our elected officials hard with letters. Heat can be applied by the politicians to the bureaucrats. We need to find some fellow reptile enthusiasts in congress, especially if they are on the committees that oversee Fish and Wildlife. Does anyone know of any US elected official that could help? We may also want to identify those congressmen that are against taking away individual's rights with big governement regulations - they may be another source of help. Anyone know the names of these elected officials that we could get to help us?

As we send letters to our congressmen, it is important to send them to those whose districts include where you live. "I live in your district and I am very concerned about the regulations being proposed by . . . . " It is also important to send letters to those congressmen who sit on the house and senate committees that oversee US Fish and Wildlife within the Department of Interior. While they may not be sympathetic to our fight, the could be overwhelmed by the number of letters and decide there are bigger issues to concern themselves with, especially if they are up for election. I believe in the House it is the Committee on Natural Resources, sub-committee on Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans. Their link follows.

http://resourcescommittee.house.gov/...page&Itemid=60

In the Senate, I believe the committee with jurisdiction over US Fish and Wildlife is the Committee on Environment and Public Works, but I may be wrong here. Their link is

http://epw.senate.gov/public/index.c...n=Members.Home

We need to make sure that these committees have jurisdiction over Fish and Wildlife, but that may have to wait until tomorrow. If so, these are the congressmen and women we need to target in addition to our local representatives and senators.

Let's keep the good ideas flowing . . .

Well, I have written my letter and will send it ASAP.. I'll share this with my friends and co-workers too.. since I work at a pet store, I'm sure I'll find people willing to send a letter or two.

The Department Of the Interior's Fish and Wildlife Service has a proposal for comment on their website.

The proposal is to ban all private ownership of Pythons and Boas in the US.

This can't be allowed to stand!

Please go to the link below, file comments, and tell everyone you know!

http://www.fws.gov/policy/library/E8-1770.html

Tim Marek and Rosie Hill
Fallon Nevada

Owner of two wonderful ball pythons - Flash and Roses...

Merged Tim's post with this existing one.

I have contacted some invertebrate dealers and breeders, and this greatly effects them as well. Majority of their sales are shut down as they sell at the major, and minor, reptile shows. As well as that, this could effect them in the sense that afterwards, they are the minority of the fauna/zoological keeping community, and could easily be shut down as well. Majority of the invertebrate keepers are small time reptile keepers as well. We have the majority of their support, so far.

This is ome of the many reasons we should be thankfull for a forum like Ball-Pythons.net. If it wasnt for this site many of us would not had known and had an oppertunity to act. And it is so much more effective when we can compile our thought as we are now doing. What a wonderfull thing when people who share a common interest can come together and talk about and fight for what they love. Thank you...thank you...thank you to the people who make this site possible.:teamwork::salute: And thank you to every member who comes together when someone needs help or the hobby is in danger.:salute: