Indiana Wild Animal Ban to effect snake owners!!! PLEASE READ!

As many of you may know, there is a ban about to be passed in Indiana that will prohibit the sales and ownership of listed species and families of animals, AND any other animal deemed unfit by the department. Included in the ban are all species of the family Boidae, which contains Pythons and Boas. These animals are considered dangerous. Any animals given up to authorities, confiscated, etc. by this new law will be DESTROYED. Animal Bans are gaining momentum across our nation. Even if you don't live in Indiana your state could be next.

Please, as snake lovers, as citizens, and as human beings, TAKE ACTION!!! One way you can help is to directly write Indiana Representative Ms. Lawson. If you do not have the time, ability, etc. to compose a proper letter, there will be a sample letter and petition on change.org soon. I'm in collaberation with a friend who is a writer to draw up a dignified letter and petition to represent those of us who want and need it. I will be posting the letter and link to the petition ASAP.

Please keep up with this forum for them, or email me a request for the info at visceralrepulsion@yahoo.com. I will get back to you shortly. I hope I myself, Indiana natives, and our other citizens of the United States can count on you to help. Don't sit back while hundreds of thousands of animals are torn from their homes and vanquished. Don't wait for this ban to effect you personally. BE AN ACTIVIST, NOT A PASCIFIST.

This ban is only the tip of the iceburg. Next the government will be taking our dog ownership rights, or any othe right they can. If we give an inch, they WILL take a mile. There are already strict laws in effect to prohibit, or monitor the ownership of Staffordshire terriers, a.k.a. "pitbulls". These types of laws are about ignorance, fear propaganda, and hate. If our "representatives" did their homework, they wouldn't think a 2ft Sand Boa is "dangerous". They would be more worried about BEES, who kill 533 people annually. They are the top committer of fatal attacks on humans from animals. Next? Dogs, who committ 208 fatal attacks annually. Can you fathom how many fatal attacks are carried out by non-venomous snakes yearly? The astonishing number is .5, or 1/2 a person. It takes on average 2yrs. for one person to be fatally injured by a non-venomous snake. Do your math, and in one year more dogs kill humans than have been killed by non-venomous snakes in the ENTIRE HISTORY of the United States. Though these statistics do change, that number has went UP since the beginning of our nation, our nation in its infancy, and even in its first 200 years. Snakes are the #1 phobia of Americans. Don't support propaganda that says "Burmese Pythons predicted to take over 1/3 of the United States!". Help educate people about snakes, this ban, and our rights as people living in what is supposed to be the most free nation in the world. In reality anyone who is not ignorant knows this hate-crime being lashed out upon snakes is driven by an engine of fear and misguidance by our top "advisors", who are in the pockets of our officials. We as herpers, including your average Joe, know that Pythons and Boas would not survive an upper midwestern climate change like they would encounter if released, posing virtually no threat to the ecosystem, and as statistics show, almost none to humans in general. Even snakes in the everglades are being wiped out during cold-fronts. They are on borrowed time. Like sands in an hourglass, their time is coming to an end. Coming to and end too is your time to act. So please, ACT, stay posted, stay educated, and stay on the outskirts of society, it's the best place to be! Thanks for your time!!!

It could help speed the process if you found the contact info for the state representative so that folks can get right on letters. I've googled it up for you..

http://www.in.gov/legislative/house_...n_contact.html

Rep. Linda Lawson
Indiana House of Representatives
200 W. Washington St.
Indianapolis, IN 46204-2786

Call toll-free (from anywhere within Indiana):
1-800-382-9842
or directly at (317)232-9600

Representative Linda Lawson's email address is h1@in.gov.

It would be additionally helpful to have the actual name of the legislation being proposed so that when people write letters they can referance the actual bill. I could not find the information in a quick google search(not verified it was the correct info, that is, I found plenty of links to various legislation or discussions). So if you could post that info, it would help.

It would be additionally helpful to have the actual name of the legislation being proposed so that when people write letters they can referance the actual bill. I could not find the information in a quick google search(not verified it was the correct info, that is, I found plenty of links to various legislation or discussions). So if you could post that info, it would help.[/QUOTE]

Here is the info:

More details on the bill, including author (Rep. Linda Lawson) whom I believe tried this in 2007-2008:
http://e-lobbyist.com/gaits/IN/HB1288


Linda Lawson's website:
http://www.in.gov/legislative/house_...son_index.html


Members of IN House Natural Resources Committee
http://www.in.gov/apps/lsa/session/b...rces&chamber=H


Bills pending before the Indiana National Resources Committee
http://e-lobbyist.com/gaits/committee/1299

Dangerous wild animals

Bill IN1288

Citations Affected: IC 14-8-2; IC 14-22-26.

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Originally Posted by Nay Sayer

As many of you may know, there is a ban about to be passed in Indiana that will prohibit the sales and ownership of listed species and families of animals, AND any other animal deemed unfit by the department. Included in the ban are all species of the family Boidae, which contains Pythons and Boas. These animals are considered dangerous. Any animals given up to authorities, confiscated, etc. by this new law will be DESTROYED. Animal Bans are gaining momentum across our nation. Even if you don't live in Indiana your state could be next.

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Not to take away from the serious nature of this action but the family Boidae do not contain pythons. To fight governments you need to have the facts straight.

I just looked at the legislation and look who got that wrong... we have one locally that is like that all poisonous animals good thing tarantulas are edible. This might be a method to fight a bill as it is poorly written and not correct and perhaps that passage should be struck.

Thank you all for your efforts and help to guide people in the right direction. Sorry for any inproper or misguided information I've relayed to you all. Pythons are indeed in the family pythonidae. Sorry about this misprint, I had to copy and paste some of my stuff from a previous post somewhere and I messed it all up there I guess. Woops. This family is however included in the bill IN1288.

If you'd like to read the full bill, here is a link >>>
http://www.in.gov/legislative/bills/...N/IN1288.1.pdf

Here is the full fiscal summary>>>
http://www.in.gov/legislative/bills/...HB1288.002.pdf

AGAIN, here is a link to write Rep. Ms. Linda Lawson herself, directly.>>>
http://www.in.gov/cgi-bin/legislativ...5.pl?data=h001

Thanks again for the links, info, and help!!! Please pass the word along. Please keep up with the forum, I will have a petition formally written and put on change.org very soon. So everyone can exhale in relief, I'm not writing the petition by myself but with the help of a friend who is a published writer. Haha. Also we're composing a template letter for anyone to sign and use if they feel it represents them well enough. You will also be able to add your input and changes to the letter as you see fit. This guide letter is for people not confident enough in their writing capabilities, not enough time, etc. to use. Again, if you would like to receive the link to the petition and/or the letter personally, email me at visceralrepulsion@yahoo.com with requesting the info you'd like.

You did not miss post actually on this link
http://www.in.gov/legislative/bills/.../IN1288.1.html

It clearly states
"(J) All species in the family Boidae (anacondas, pythons, boa constrictors)."

which is also clearly NOT correct! You might want to contact USARK and see if pointing out the error and getting that sweeping statement refined to something more manageable and perhaps a grandfather clause or something. Some real strategy needs to be in place.

My experience with going head to head with law makers is you need to be united and clear and concise and absolutely correct in your information it is harder to be discounted then. But unity is the strongest one person sadly has little to no voice but 100 together looks like a lot of votes.

I am not sure how much help I could be as a Canadian but if writing a note will help I will do so.

(K) Any other animal classified as a prohibited animal by the department.

This too is a bit problematic again the long sweeping brush strokes. I'd be careful with this one too.

Oh, good to know. Thought it was me! I've read a lot of it, but it's hard for me to recall some of the info on point. Superb to know that theyre planning to ban animals of incorrect families as is listed in a formal document. And they think they know a thing or two about snakes? Just...WOW. "Sand Boa? What's a sand boa? Is that like one of those big snakes that lives in a desert?" Geesh. Misguided, misinformed, dolts. I agree that vague listing- "(K) Any other animal classified as a prohibited animal by the department." is very problematic.

It has a number of issues to be sure. There is a grandfather clause of sorts but wow it is a real jumbled bit of work. Hopefully it gets sorted out before it is in place.

Ironic, 4.5 sub 3

(3) A description of each dangerous wild animal, including the scientific name, common name, and any information that would aid in the identification of the animal.

The author can't even follow his/her own guidelines....

These politicians are unbelievable. Imagine the hissy fit they would throw if we tried to ban something they were passionate about.

The place to kill the bill is the Natural Resource Committee (it has been sent there). If it never passes committee it never gets voted on.

Theses are the Committee Members below, they should be the ones u contact, not the author of the bill as the author of the bill will "Not" change her stance.

Rep. Sean Eberhart, Chairperson
Rep. Michael Karickhoff
Rep. David Cheatham
Rep. Kreg Battles
Sen. Ryan Mishler
Sen. Dennis Kruse
Sen. Lindel Hume
Sen. Richard Young

The one on the list I would target is Sen. Richard Young. Having dealt with him before I feel he believes that IDNR/ our state has at various times over reached its authority and or regulates for the sake of regulating.
You should explain to Sen. Young the reason why the bill is funk. That way he can have a proper understanding for when this comes up on the docket for discussion and he will know more about it than any Rep there and his voice will be heard.
But you must convince Young to be your champion (which can be done if for the good of the people in Indiana).
The Natural Resource Committee meets I think 4 times a yr. They then can recommend/ put up Bills to be voted on during session. They can only 'put up' so many, so they are choosy on what they run with.
You as a citizen can go to these meetings and they have published agendas of when this topic could be brought up. Having a small group show up and 1-2 people speak on the subject is best. BUT make sure the 1 or 2 know what they are talking about and not saying "snake good, Bill bad" thingy..lol
If I can help in any way let me know, I do know the players & how it works as the IDNR pushed a group I belonged to through the mud yrs ago and we did the long dance. I have a few semi-inside contacts where I can get some extra info if needed on what is driving this and if IDNR really supports the change or is DRIVING the change. If they are Driving it be ready for a fight.

Thank you, Wheelie for some guidance in the right direction. I implore we ALL write as many officials as possible.

For anyone who needs a letter to represent them, this letter was written by an associate on iherp.com. It's for anyone to use and TWEAK as they see fit.:





Re: House Bill No. 1288



Dear Representative Lawson (or whomever):



I hope this letter finds you in good health and spirits. I am writing on behalf of myself, my friends, small business owners and the entire Herpetology community regarding the aforementioned legislation.



When I read the bill for the first time, I could understand that the inception of same could quite possibly come from a standpoint of wanting the citizens of Indiana to be safer when “dangerous wild animals” are concerned. When these creatures are paired with the uneducated, it can pose a life-threatening situation, no doubt.



I read the bill again, in the hopes of comprehending it a bit better and to really get a good feel where you were coming from. It was at this point I began losing clarity, and gaining confusion.



As written on Page 3, Lines 22 and 23, Subsection (J), House Bill 1288 defines one of the “dangerous wild animals” as “All species of the family Boidae (anacondas, pythons, boa constrictors).” The first thing that popped out at me was that pythons are not part of the Boidae family (although they’re listed as if they were), but part of the Pythonidae family. Because of this oversight, it is impossible to know which snakes you are truly referring to.



Some people, like myself, have a single snake (a ball python, to be exact) as a beloved pet. Other people have twenty or more snakes as pets. Different owners have over one hundred – some may be viewed as pets, but ultimately, it is their livelihood and only source of income.



On January 5, 2011, a study was published by Georgetown Economic Services, LLC, commissioned by The United States Association of Reptile Keepers (USARK, and available for your ready reference at www.whitehouse.gov), entitled The Modern U.S. Reptile Industry. The report itself was over 70 pages, but I’ll just hit the highlights:



v In 2009, the reptile industry earned more than $1 billion.



v Most of the reptile businesses in the United States are “Mom & Pop” shops.



v 4.7 million U.S. households owned more than 13.6 pet reptiles.



That is an extremely quick overview. The report is filled with hundreds of other factoids, but what I would really like to focus on is that if enacted, House Bill 1288 would effectively put many of the residents of Indiana out of business, forcing them into unemployment and undoubtedly becoming a burden on the state. When a person has a reptile business, there is little time for anything else, as that is their full time job.



I haven’t forgotten that you have listed snakes, venomous and non-venomous, as “dangerous wild animals,” showing concern for your citizens. Are you aware that since 1980, there have been less than a dozen fatalities from venomous snakes? Did you know that from 1990 to 2008 there were eight fatalities by non-venomous snakes? The people who own reptiles (either for business or for pets) are actually quite responsible and extremely educated so that they can prevent injuries.



Each year, more people are killed by deer (on average, around 150) than by dogs, snakes, sharks, mountain lions, bears and alligators combined. That fact gives me pause as to why deer are not on the list of “dangerous wild animals.” Walking into a caged area with a deer is more dangerous than keeping a variety of boa as a pet.



Representative Lawson, I implore you to “kill the bill.” Not only will it cause many of your residents to become out of work, small business owners who are trying to provide for their families, but it would also be like losing a family member to some. I know that it may be hard to understand the love some people have for reptiles, but that does not mean they love them any less than a person may love a cat or a dog.



Your diligent efforts and the tax payer dollars would be much better directed to education, your 9% unemployment rate, and helping out the small business owner instead of trying to impede them.



Warmest Regards,

Thanks to everyone helping out with this fight (pointing us in best direction to focus our attention and what to include in our letters.

I am joining USARK and will definitely write some letters.

I hope good sense will prevail, although my view of many of our politicians and various organizations driving these agendas, I am not sure how much sense is left in their world.

That is a very good letter Nay, I will use some of it when writing.
The economic impact (money) is the best defense. I know we love the python or boa, but others don't see it like that and will not factor in much.
Showing an economic loss to Indiana's economy (if bill was to pass) in such hard times is the point of the spear in my eyes (like the letter clearly shows).

I agree, wheelie. Probably the best effect we can have is to show our reps that money is to be lost. Sad, but true. To us our animals lives mean everything, but to them they mean nothing. The petition for change.org is going to be worked on tomorrow (I believe). It will be done and posted asap as an outlet to our fury.

does anyone know if this passed or not its supposed to go into effect in 5 days I cant find if it passed or not

Any update on this? I spent about 30 minutes searching last night and found nothing. How would the general public even know a law like this existed? It's like having a speed limit but not posting it.

I do hope those of you who can't find info are USARK members.. It's discouraging to think of how many people are not. Those that are know exactly where to find info, know who to contact for info through the website or their FB pages, and get email updates on everything going on...

Here's a good place to start but you guys need to get off your butts and join USARK and add them on FB. It's so sad to think of how much Andrew does for us yet there are still so many who do not support him.. Who claim to be worried about losing their animals.

http://www.usark.org/statelaws.php




Snakes, Jeeps, Dragons, Nature, & Knives.. Makes my world go-round!

The other states will be next. Canada, California, maybe even overseas, you may be next. USARK and our united front is our only hope in fighting this. It started in Ohio, now its moving. Thankfully, as the legislation is in Ohio, after USARK and the reptile owners fought in Ohio, I am happy with our wording of the bill here. We got rid of the outright ban, now we only have to register the wild animals, venemous snakes, and any snake over 12 ft. You can get to that too but you have to fight for it.

I'll be praying for the owners in Indiana. I also hope everyone here joins USARK so they can fight along side us. Stop giving money to HSUS, and others as they are fighting against us.

Sent from my ADR6350 using Tapatalk 2

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Originally Posted by Foschi Exotic Serpents

I do hope those of you who can't find info are USARK members.. It's discouraging to think of how many people are not. Those that are know exactly where to find info, know who to contact for info through the website or their FB pages, and get email updates on everything going on...

Here's a good place to start but you guys need to get off your butts and join USARK and add them on FB. It's so sad to think of how much Andrew does for us yet there are still so many who do not support him.. Who claim to be worried about losing their animals.

http://www.usark.org/statelaws.php




Snakes, Jeeps, Dragons, Nature, & Knives.. Makes my world go-round!

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Yes, your absolutely right. Andrew does so much for us and there are many who give no support.

Sent from my ADR6350 using Tapatalk 2

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Foschi Exotic Serpents

I do hope those of you who can't find info are USARK members.. It's discouraging to think of how many people are not. Those that are know exactly where to find info, know who to contact for info through the website or their FB pages, and get email updates on everything going on...

Here's a good place to start but you guys need to get off your butts and join USARK and add them on FB. It's so sad to think of how much Andrew does for us yet there are still so many who do not support him.. Who claim to be worried about losing their animals.

http://www.usark.org/statelaws.php




Snakes, Jeeps, Dragons, Nature, & Knives.. Makes my world go-round!

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You are right. I am a member of USARK and wish I could donate more. However, I am a college student and finding a job in this town is darn near impossible (I was turned down for a dish washing job because I didn't have 3 to 5 years experience washing dishes). Of course USARK was the first place I checked for info on House Bill 1288 and found only one document pertaining to Indiana that dated back to 2010.

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Originally Posted by AndrewGeibel

You are right. I am a member of USARK and wish I could donate more. However, I am a college student and finding a job in this town is darn near impossible (I was turned down for a dish washing job because I didn't have 3 to 5 years experience washing dishes). Of course USARK was the first place I checked for info on House Bill 1288 and found only one document pertaining to Indiana that dated back to 2010.

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It's usually best to just email Andrew and ask what's going on with it if there is no update on their page.


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Snakes, Jeeps, Dragons, Nature, & Knives.. Makes my world go-round!

Another good page to join/like on FB is ROAR right to own animals responsibly. They post a lot of articles and updates on different things.




<---Signature--->
Snakes, Jeeps, Dragons, Nature, & Knives.. Makes my world go-round!

This is depressing. Another form of government overreach. High taxes? Unemployment? Education? No! The real danger to our society is that that Kenyan Sand Boa is going to eat an entire school of children unless we pass this legislation to keep you all safe!!!

For the love of God. :rage::rage::rage: