Is it possible to change laws?

I understand your frustration Lars. Personally I'd like to see very strict laws regarding pet stores and their care and sales of any creature, but most especially those considered "exotics". However, even my socialized government little Canadian soul doesn't want the government overly involved. Primarily because as has been stated, most of the law makers have nil experience in actual ownership of these creatures they are attempting to mandate.

I think that responsible breeders that strive to sell to responsible owners is the best defense against abused snakes. It won't always work but nothing ever does work 100% of the time. I suspect (though have no proof of course) that most of the rescues/abused or neglected snakes that we all see are coming from impulse purchases out of pet stores. Considering that many states in the US do not even have humane laws in effect that cover anything in a pet store (let alone in a private home) other than canines and felines, that's where I think it needs to start.

I've read a lot of the responses here, but I'm going to toss in my two cents.

And I'm more right of the center. ^_^ Anyhoo...

I think that having a "training" program would force the government to be more inside our lives, however, I do think that in a much more effective world, it would do very little. Students go through DARE in middle school and high school, yet there are thousands of kids who are still doing drugs.

I will, however, pose my own idea, perhaps a small fix for the bad publicity of reptiles, and especially snakes. Anyone who wishes to purchase a snake OVER 10-12' should have to get a permit. Perhaps even go through that training program just like you would for a gun or a car. This might potentially cut down on the bad press of snakes. (I wish.) At least this would cut down on irresponsible people owning these larger snakes. It's not a perfect semi-fix, but it is an idea.