RED ALERT: Stop Federal Python BAN!

sign this petition. https://wwws.whitehouse.gov/petition...4Y#thank-you=p that is to stop overturn the ban.

emailed

If we can get 700 votes for a picture to win some contest, we should be able to get people to sign this petition. Its time to band together.

Please take the time to sign this petition if you haven't already, whether you own these snakes or not it has a huge impact on the community.

https://wwws.whitehouse.gov/​petitio...4Y#thank-you=p

Quote:

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Originally Posted by zeion97

You got it...BUT, doesn't it seem odd? Banning them all together is next. at least that's my opinion... We just need to keep up the efforts, work together, and stay professional as a community.

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Of course, and I'm not happy in the ban in the least even though I have no interest in owning the snakes that are currently on the ban (Boas and Retics on the other hand...). I think it's ridiculous and I can't see how it will help with anything honestly. I didn't mean that it (the ban) isn't a big deal, I think some people were just confused as to what was banned (the transportation/selling between states), not banning the current 5 altogether from owning (yet...)

My Response was "Dear Mr. Blake, The U.S. Department of Fish and Wildlife has not issued a final rule on listing constrictors as injurious species. I understand this issue is important to you, and I appreciate hearing your input and expertise. Please be assured that I will keep your thoughts in mind as I continue to monitor this process.

Thank you again for contacting me to share your thoughts on this matter. You may be interested in signing up for my periodic update for Washington State residents. If you are interested in subscribing to this update, please visit my website at http://cantwell.senate.gov. Please do not hesitate to contact me in the future if I can be of further assistance.


Sincerely,
Maria Cantwell
United States Senator

Just sent them letters!!!! Lets go peeps!!!!

https://wwws.whitehouse.gov/petition...4Y#thank-you=p

Sorry for the caps in advance... ALL OF THE LETTERS IN THE WORLD WONT AMOUNT TO ANYTHING IF WE DO NOT GET SOME SIGNATURES ON THIS PETITION PEOPLE WE HAVE LESS THAN A MONTH TO GET 23,000 SIGS@!!! COME ON I MAY BE NEW TO THE BREEDING WORLD BUT IMA FIGHT THIS WITH ALL I GOT WITH YOU GUYS!

Just got my pre-made response from the man himself, Mr Nelsen (thought some might like to see it and use it as they see fit).....sorry if this has been posted already.


RE: Your response from Senator Bill Nelson
Show Details
Please do not reply to this e-mail. If you need to send another message to Senator Nelson, please use the form on his Web site: http://billnelson.senate.gov/contact/index.cfm#email

Dear Mr. Madsen:

Thank you for writing me about the ban of nonnative constrictor snakes under the Lacey Act.

On January 17, the Department of the Interior (DOI) finalized a rule to list four non-native constrictor snakes--Burmese pythons, yellow anaconda, and northern and southern African rock pythons--as injurious wildlife under the Lacey Act. This rule prohibits the importation and interstate commerce of these snakes and will go into effect 60 days from the day the rule is published in the Federal Register.

The DOI worked extensively with the Florida State government and incorporated public comments into the final rule. For information on this rule, please visit http://www.fws.gov/invasives/news.html .

Burmese pythons often are released into the wild when their owners can no longer care for them. Though not native to south Florida, Burmese pythons are thriving in the Everglades National Park, threatening natural species, many of which are endangered, and posing the risk of upsetting the delicate ecosystem of the region. We have invested many years and billions of dollars in an effort to restore the Everglades to its natural balance, and non-native species like Burmese pythons threaten to undo that work.

I understand your concern that the DOI rule punishes responsible python owners and breeders. The State of Florida has made progress in balancing the needs of pet owners and the concerns for the environment by requiring micro-chipping and permits for reptiles of concern, including the Burmese python. The DOI rule will not affect current python owners, unless regulated otherwise by the State.

I appreciate your taking the time to write me with your views on this important matter. Please do not hesitate to contact me in the future.

Sincerely,
Bill Nelson

P.S. From time to time, I compile electronic news briefs highlighting key issues and hot topics of particular importance to Floridians. If you'd like to receive these e-briefs, visit my Web site and sign up for them at http://billnelson.senate.gov/news/ebriefs.cfm
Reply to: Reply to Bill@billnelson.senate.gov
Send

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Blood Winged Angel

https://wwws.whitehouse.gov/petition...4Y#thank-you=p

Sorry for the caps in advance... ALL OF THE LETTERS IN THE WORLD WONT AMOUNT TO ANYTHING IF WE DO NOT GET SOME SIGNATURES ON THIS PETITION PEOPLE WE HAVE LESS THAN A MONTH TO GET 23,000 SIGS@!!! COME ON I MAY BE NEW TO THE BREEDING WORLD BUT IMA FIGHT THIS WITH ALL I GOT WITH YOU GUYS!

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The petition won't amount to anything either.

The amendment to the Lacey Act must be challenged in Federal Court. By lawyers who will need to discredit the evidence that led to the amendments.

Your petition means squat. Not only will they do nothing to affect an amendment to a Federal Law but about a dozen of you have petitions scattered all over the place. Educate yourselves on what an amendment to the Lacey Act means and then choose a wise course of action. Educate, think and focus before you act.

Your letter writing and petition efforts would be best invested in a situation in which they will actually do some good - like Virginia:

http://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp...121+ful+HB1242

The petition address above seems to be dead. Try..

https://wwws.whitehouse.gov/petition...n-ban/4wGFbc4Y

So I am a little bit lost on this issue. Has the python ban been voted on and approved by both the house and the senate? It it official yet?

Signed the petition. Use your political voice and sign it with me!:snake:

Signed!

I was bit by a dog once, bled a lot, had to get shots and all sorts of junk to prevent infection. Never happened before with my python. Maybe we should ban dogs too? Don't get me started on Goldfish... ... ... Letters Sent.

Signed, emailed and printed out and snail mailed! Between SOPA and this, I feel like packing up and living on a deserted island somewhere! >:c

I wish I could help out, but I don't live in the US. Damn, I would be mad as hell if I couldn't keep my pet snakes anymore. I pray that these bullhooey laws won't spread any further, and that all reptile owners in the US stood up and fought for your rights. The world is getting even more up-side-down. It is so sad... :(

My husband and I signed! I will NOT give up my rights!!

Sent! Lets hope we make a difference!

is this the same petition that is on Faunas websight (in the red banner)? if so,, i just signed!
spooky

The ban sucks. But at the same time there are many threats to our wildlife not just "constrictors". I love snakes, exotic or native but I do think that native wildlife can't endure much introduction with out a disaster outcome. I'd hate to see the ban of all exotic snakes. The only thing worst than seeing exotics snakes get banned is native wildlife expiring due to escaped/released foriegn snakes.

There's no question for the love of our snakes, I know we all love our snakes. Maybe the real question is "are my snakes a threat to native wildlife"?

Hopefully I don't get "STONED" by other members but I think its important to view this current situation from this angle also.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Logic_is_me_sv

The ban sucks. But at the same time there are many threats to our wildlife not just "constrictors". I love snakes, exotic or native but I do think that native wildlife can't endure much introduction with out a disaster outcome. I'd hate to see the ban of all exotic snakes. The only thing worst than seeing exotics snakes get banned is native wildlife expiring due to escaped/released foriegn snakes.

There's no question for the love of our snakes, I know we all love our snakes. Maybe the real question is "are my snakes a threat to native wildlife"?

Hopefully I don't get "STONED" by other members but I think its important to view this current situation from this angle also.

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Maybe the question is can these large constrictors live anywhere else then south Florida year round? Answer is no, this is not a issue that should affect the entire nation just south Florida. Its a load of crap, written up by morons and animal haters!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by rgalanti21

So I am a little bit lost on this issue. Has the python ban been voted on and approved by both the house and the senate? It it official yet?

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There was no bill.

It was a rule enactment/amendment made by the USFWS. The Congress has no vote in it. Therefore signing any petition is an exercise in futility. The rule amendment has to be challeneged in Federal Court by debunking the evidence that led to the rule amendment.

It is a ban on interstate transport and importation. There is no "ban" on ownership - yet.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by boadaddy

Maybe the question is can these large constrictors live anywhere else then south Florida year round? Answer is no, this is not a issue that should affect the entire nation just south Florida. Its a load of crap, written up by morons and animal haters!

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Its true that those large constrictors perish in colder parts of the Nation. But if people keep and breed larger constrictors in the surrounding states, there's always going to be a chance of them getting back into the Everglades. Even if breeders only exist in (wintered states) there will always be a chance that someone may sell them to a potential costumer in Southern Florida/surrounding states, even if its out a ignorance or deliberant. Thats still a threat.

I live in Michigan and I know of a Red Tail Boa that overwintered and survived. It didn't actually hibernate but it burrowed in the ground next to a building that produced heat. Now thats survival skills! Can't under estimate these creatures/pets.

The blame goes to the people that released their Exotic Snakes into the Everglades! They messed it up for all of us.

Sent and shared.

Thats BS!!! Dumb people releasing full grown bermese pythons is part of the resaon for this ignorance!!! Responsible snake owners should not be punished!!!!:mad:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Sassy_Momma20

Thats BS!!! Dumb people releasing full grown bermese pythons is part of the resaon for this ignorance!!! Responsible snake owners should not be punished!!!!:mad:

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I'm with you on that!

Makes all of us look bad.

NOOOO
people are signing the wrong petition!!!
the real one is on the white house website!!!

https://wwws.whitehouse.gov/petition...4Y#thank-you=p

people we need 25,000 signed petitions for this!
please go on the website and sign!!

Hi I know this may not have anything to do with me yet, but if this passes it wont be long tell it starts in Canada, I want to help owners keep there snakes.
Tell me how to help
My opinion:
If your snake hasn't attacked a child and is not venomous then you should get to keep it, if you have a problem with someones pet snake (ie someone was hurt) that situation should be dealt with separately. Like hello there are lots of animals people fear!!! My mother for one is scared of Snakes, mice, frogs, spiders the list goes on are you going to ban all of them to and if you start with Boas and Pythons whats next?! It wont stop this is something to be taken seriously I already can't get a American Staffordshire terrier with out it being put down on arrival (My fave breed, Punish the deed not the breed don't be stupid). I don't want my Boyfriends Python or any other snakes to be killed unnecessarily because some people are scared of them, ya I get it they can bite but so do alot of other animals so that just means respect them and don't be stupid if they bite its for a reason

Tried to sine several petitions and I am not aloud because I am Canadian, I know over 100 people who would sine with me but they will not except any from Canadians and this number is with out me asking I just know they would 100% sine.........

ANYONE know a way around this I want to help

I'm just a noob on this forum but was forwarded this from a professional herper (friend). There is currently a petition underway at the whitehouse.gov site to reverse the python BAN. They need 20,000 more signatures and will be posting the link on my facebook as well. The site takes a bit of time to open but don't be discouraged it will.


http://wh.gov/BEQ

Edit: The link in post #127 seems to be the same. Lets do this!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Arsany

NOOOO
people are signing the wrong petition!!!
the real one is on the white house website!!!

https://wwws.whitehouse.gov/petition...4Y#thank-you=p

people we need 25,000 signed petitions for this!
please go on the website and sign!!

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........and what is this petition supposed to do?

Why are so many people recommending a petition that even USARK says to not waste your time signing?

The petitions are pointless. The act of adding an animal to the Lacey Act is an administrative task performed by the USFWS, not a legislative action performed by congress.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Maixx

The petitions are pointless. The act of adding an animal to the Lacey Act is an administrative task performed by the USFWS, not a legislative action performed by congress.

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:)

^ You guys are probably right, and have done your research. But you commenting on here is doing us no good. What if we all sat back and did nothing, then how would it look? What if we never tried? Sometimes you get lucky, but thats only if you try.

Do us a favor and go troll somewhere else, your know-it-all attitude makes me sick. You may know your stuff but its not currently doing us any good.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by RideRed12

^ You guys are probably right, and have done your research. But you commenting on here is doing us no good. What if we all sat back and did nothing, then how would it look? What if we never tried? Sometimes you get lucky, but thats only if you try.

Do us a favor and go troll somewhere else, your know-it-all attitude makes me sick. You may know your stuff but its not currently doing us any good.

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There are positive things you can do.

The USFWS petition is not one. Name calling is another one that will get you nowhere.

There are several states, counties, cities and towns where legislation and ordinances are being discussed banning certain reptiles. These are instances where petitions and letters would be great.

By blowing your collective wad and focusing on something that won't do anything, you are being negative. By showing PETA, and HSUS and the array of forces arrayed against reptile ownership that we can only muster 5K signatures, you are doing nothing but showing a weak hand.

I've tried for the better part of a week to point out that not only would a petition on the USFWS rule change be a waste of time, but that even USARK was telling people to stop wasting time on the petition.

In the meantime, both Virginia and Rhode Island are facing bans. Written any letters or signed any petitions for those two states, Oh Fearless Troll Slayer?

Great point, good thing you've got all the time in the world to completely research everything on the subject. Good job, you get a gold star.

Oh and who calling anyone any names? I believe that was you, not me.

Skiploder, what else can we do now then? I want to help but I'm not sure how--should I write a letter to Rhode Island or Virginia? :please: Not sure what to do, but I certainly don't want to waste time--we have none, it seems.
Please let me know and consider it done. :gj:

Ridered, for the record, your post contained the following phrase:
"your know-it-all attitude makes me sick."
:P
Think that is what "name calling" was in reference to.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by RideRed12

Great point, good thing you've got all the time in the world to completely research everything on the subject. Good job, you get a gold star.

Oh and who calling anyone any names? I believe that was you, not me.

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It took my all of two minutes to read USARK's press release and all of three minutes to read the USFWS service rule change announcement.

5 minutes of my time. How many minutes did you waste on signing the stupid petition and urging more people to waste their time and their effort?

Now unless you have something positive to recommend, unwad your panties and shove off.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by shelliebear

Skiploder, what else can we do now then? I want to help but I'm not sure how--should I write a letter to Rhode Island or Virginia? :please: Not sure what to do, but I certainly don't want to waste time--we have none, it seems.
Please let me know and consider it done. :gj:

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You know Shellie, it's funny that there are several impending State bans on snakes and you have to look REAL hard and do some digging to find out who to contact in terms of organizing opposition.

Both the Virginia and Rhode Island legislation is in it's earliest stages - so many of the organizations are waiting to see how the support and opposition in the State Legislatures pans out.

However, both USARK and PIJAC are fighting, so the easiest thing to do is to donate to one or both groups.

The senate committee members for the RI Legislation are:

David Bates
Daniel Da Ponte
MaryEllen Goodwin
Nicholas Kettle
Michael MacCaffrey
Susan Sosnowski
Bill Walaska

Their e-mail addresses and mailing addresses are easy to find.

The committee member for Virginia are:

Hanger
Watkins
Puckett
Ruff
Blevins
Obenshain
McEachin
Petersen
Northam
Stuart
Marsden
Stanley
Black
Miller
Ebbin

E-mails are great for people who live out of state - as the Aides can't toss them aside as not "mattering", they most often assume you are a resident.

Use a form e-mail which should politely and respectfully mention:

(1) Point out that none of the listed animals could become invasive to (insert state here). Steer them to this article:

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases...0812213816.htm

(2) State your concern about what happens to current owners of these species. Are they expected to get rid of these animals? Or will there be a “grandfather” clause for current owners to ensure unintended consequences of such a ban?

(3) That by imposing a complete ban will, they will drive the trade of these species underground, further taxing the coffers and resources of law enforcement and fish and wildlife enforcement agencies, and criminalizing previously law abiding and tax paying citizens.

(4) That a full study needs to be done on the financial impacts of such a ban. Politely point out that while neither Rhode Island or Virginia is at no risk for an invasive issue, there WILL be a hit to the economy as the result of this legislation. As a citizen and a voter you want to know the magnitude of that impact.

Again, Shellie, make a generic form copy of this e-mail on Word to either print out if needed or to use for other states.

I maintain a couple of e-mail addresses, my wife and my kids have them also, I send the e-mails out from all of them.

Try to hook up with members from herp societies and clubs in those affected states:

http://www.virginiaherpetologicalsoc...inks/links.htm

.......and see what they are doing and how you can help.

Lastly, understand the process. These bills have to go through several committees and often several readings and amendments before they are finally voted on. There are long periods of inaction, so it is important that you realize that until the bills are defeated, they haven't gone away.

Skip,

I have to apologize for the comment I left. I didn't realize you had these posts up about Rhode Island and Virginia. I just thought you were slamming everyone with negativity. I didn't see it as constructive criticism, I do now.

This is all stressful on everyone, tensions are high. Still not an excuse.
Thanks for the advice, I'll get e-mails sent out to Virginia and Rhode Island by Sunday. Thanks for you help.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by RideRed12

Skip,

I have to apologize for the comment I left. I didn't realize you had these posts up about Rhode Island and Virginia. I just thought you were slamming everyone with negativity. I didn't see it as constructive criticism, I do now.

This is all stressful on everyone, tensions are high. Still not an excuse.
Thanks for the advice, I'll get e-mails sent out to Virginia and Rhode Island by Sunday. Thanks for you help.

---

Peace.

Buddy of mine in Virginia sent me an e-mail and notified me that the original committee assignments have changed on HB 1242. They are:

Delegate Beverly J. Sherwood (Chair)
General Assembly Building
P.O. Box 406
Richmond, Virginia 23218
Phone: (804) 698-1029
Fax: (804) 698-6729
Email: DelBSherwood@house.virginia.gov



Delegate R. Lee Ware, Jr.
General Assembly Building
P.O. Box 406
Richmond, Virginia 23218
Phone: (804) 698-1065
Fax: (804) 698-6765
Email: DelLWare@house.virginia.gov



Delegate Thomas C. Wright, Jr.
General Assembly Building
P.O. Box 406
Richmond, Virginia 23218
Phone: (804) 698-1061
Fax: (804) 698-6761
Email: DelTWright@house.virginia.gov


Delegate Robert D. Orrock, Sr.
General Assembly Building
P.O. Box 406
Richmond, Virginia 23218
Phone: (804) 698-1054
Fax: (804) 698-6754
Email: DelBOrrock@house.virginia.gov



Delegate Edward T. Scott (Vice Chair)
General Assembly Building
P.O. Box 406
Richmond, Virginia 23218
Phone: (804) 698-1030
Fax: (804) 698-6730
Email: DelEScott@house.virginia.gov



Delegate Robert G. Marshall
General Assembly Building
P.O. Box 406
Richmond, Virginia 23218
Phone: (804) 698-1013
Fax: (804) 698-6713
Email: DelBMarshall@house.virginia.gov



Delegate Charles D. Poindexter
General Assembly Building
P.O. Box 406
Richmond, Virginia 23218
Phone: (804) 698-1009
Fax: (804) 698-6709
Email: DelCPoindexter@house.virginia.gov

Delegate Brenda L. Pogge
General Assembly Building
P.O. Box 406
Richmond, Virginia 23218
Phone: (804) 698-1096
Fax: (804) 698-1196
Email: DelBPogge@house.virginia.gov


Delegate Barry D. Knight
General Assembly Building
P.O. Box 406
Richmond, Virginia 23218
Phone: (804) 698-1081
Fax: (804) 698-6781
Email: DelBKnight@house.virginia.gov


Delegate James E. Edmunds, II
General Assembly Building
P.O. Box 406
Richmond, Virginia 23218
Phone: (804) 698-1060
Fax: (804) 698-6760
Email: DelJEdmunds@house.virginia.gov


Delegate Tony O. Wilt
General Assembly Building
P.O. Box 406
Richmond, Virginia 23218
Phone: (804) 698-1026
Fax: (804) 698-6726
Email: DelTWilt@house.virginia.gov


Delegate James W. (Will) Morefield
General Assembly Building
P.O. Box 406
Richmond, Virginia 23218
Phone: (804) 698-1003
Fax: (804) 698-6703
Email: DelJMorefield@house.virginia.gov


Delegate Michael J. Webert
General Assembly Building
P.O. Box 406
Richmond, Virginia 23218
Phone: (804) 698-1018
Fax: (804) 698-6718
Email: DelMWebert@house.virginia.gov


Delegate Margaret B. Ransone
General Assembly Building
P.O. Box 406
Richmond, Virginia 23218
Phone: (804) 698-1099
Fax: (804) 786-6310
Email: DelMRansone@house.virginia.gov


Delegate C. Matthew Fariss
General Assembly Building
P.O. Box 406
Richmond, Virginia 23218
Phone: (804) 698-1059
Fax: (804) 698-6759
Email: DelMFariss@house.virginia.gov


Delegate Kenneth R. Plum
General Assembly Building
P.O. Box 406
Richmond, Virginia 23218
Phone: (804) 698-1036
Fax: (804) 698-6736
Email: DelKPlum@house.virginia.gov


Delegate Lynwood W. Lewis, Jr
General Assembly Building
P.O. Box 406
Richmond, Virginia 23218
Phone: (804) 698-1000
Fax: (804) 698-6700
Email: DelLLewis@house.virginia.gov


Delegate David L. Bulova
General Assembly Building
P.O. Box 406
Richmond, Virginia 23218
Phone: (804) 698-1037
Fax: (804) 698-6737
Email: DelDBulova@house.virginia.gov


Delegate Mark D. Sickles
General Assembly Building
P.O. Box 406
Richmond, Virginia 23218
Phone: (804) 698-1043
Fax: (804) 698-6743
Email: DelMSickles@house.virginia.gov


Delegate David L. Englin
General Assembly Building
P.O. Box 406
Richmond, Virginia 23218
Phone: (804) 698-1045
Fax: (804) 698-6745
Email: DelDEnglin@house.virginia.gov


Delegate Matthew James
General Assembly Building
P.O. Box 406
Richmond, Virginia 23218
Phone: (804) 698-1080
Fax: (804) 698-6780
Email: DelMJames@house.virginia.gov


Delegate Luke E. Torian
General Assembly Building
P.O. Box 406
Richmond, Virginia 23218
Phone: (804) 698-1052
Fax: (804) 698-6752
Email: DelLTorian@house.virginia.gov

Another thing we need to do, is to be responsible herp keepers, and not end up doing something stupid and end up another statistic and ammo for groups like HSUS. Encourage other keepers to be responsible.
Join a local reptile club, help and work with them on local issues.

We need to be a united responsible front, right now there are so many irresponsible and stupid keepers, they are doing all the work for HSUS, all HSUS has to do is point and say "Here is a perfect example of why...."

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Skiploder

However, both USARK and PIJAC are fighting, so the easiest thing to do is to donate to one or both groups..

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I don't have much money, but I'll see if I can scrape aside $20 for a donation. It's not much, but it's something, and hopefully it'll help. I'll also send emails or letters to the people on your list. Thank you tons for it--I'm not the best at digging for state legislature stuff and contact info.
However, ask me to research any medical condition and I can do that. :D For some reason, finding people to contact is not my forte at all.
Appreciated <3

Don't know if this has been posted, but kingsnake.com says that they ban is likely to be passed next week. It will include burms and african rock pythons. Now is the last chance to fight this bill!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by apple2

Don't know if this has been posted, but kingsnake.com says that they ban is likely to be passed next week. It will include burms and african rock pythons. Now is the last chance to fight this bill!

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I give up.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Skiploder

I give up.

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Tap out! Say uncle!


Oh, and thanks for posting a bunch of helpful information throughout this thread.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Skiploder

I give up.

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lol..I'm sorry Skip, that made me laugh. For every person that is told it isn't a law, there are 10 more that don't know it isn't... People should know by now it isn't though.. We must have a lot of Hermit's within the community..

Needless to say.. We have a fight either way..For the states and the Lacey act.

signed and posted to my facebook