Reptile Defense Fund

USARK is set in megazord attack mode

Spread the word!

http://usark.org/reptile-defense-fund-2/


Heres the Email
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Since 2010, the United States Association of Reptile Keepers (USARK) has been working to oppose the listing of constrictor snakes under the Lacey Act and laying the legal groundwork for a possible challenge to any listing. Efforts to date include commissioning Georgetown Economic Services to document an economic impact study of the reptile industry and engaging the services of Kelley Drye as our legal and legislative consultants. Kelley Drye is the leading law firm in Washington D.C. in regards to the very specialized challenges that lay ahead of us, specifically due to their expertise in issues that potentially involve challenging adverse regulatory decisions and defending our rights. This process has involved detailed legal analyses as well as numerous meetings with officials in Washington D.C. where the foundations for placing us in the strongest possible position were laid.

Having notified the USFWS in April of our legal and public policy concerns over both the listed and pending species, we have determined that the time is right to formally challenge the rule.

In order to fully implement our legal strategy, the USARK Board of Directors has announced creation of a legal defense fund and issued a call to members for contributions. Contributions can be made at http://usark.org/reptile-defense-fund-2/.

This battle will be expensive and we must begin to secure funding immediately. USARK appreciates all donations and additional fundraising efforts. This fight and our continued battle against anti-reptile legislation would not be possible without your support. More details will be provided as they can be made public.

You can also mail checks made out to USARK to:

USARK Reptile Defense Fund
3650 Sacramento Drive
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

Donated! If this doesn't deserve to be a sticky, I don't know what does!

On a related note, if you're not a member of USARK, you should be! Not only do they do a lot for us as keepers, the member shirts are SICK!

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USARK should make ads of sad turtles and iguanas and advertise that on cable and satellite television. That'd do the trick. Just ask HSUS- it worked for them. :P

Donated. Hope they can prevent more from being added. :please: I plan on owning a retic in the distant future and a boa in the more near future. Plus they shouldn't be able to discriminate against any of our pets with their bogus "facts".

It'd be cool if the listed snake were removed from the Lacey Act seeing how they were added on unscientific and illogical basis.

Donated. I hope to get a boa in the near future and the lacey act will probably stop me if it isnt stopped.

Anyone see a goal they're working towards obtaining? Like X amount of money?

I haven't seen a goal but I'm guessing they'll need more than what they will get.

Everyone keep spreading the word!

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Originally Posted by pythonminion

It'd be cool if the listed snake were removed from the Lacey Act seeing how they were added on unscientific and illogical basis.

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I think that's part of the plan. IIRC, immediately after the initial ban, they started planning to challenge it.

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I really wish I was breeding at this point in time and could donate several 2-3 gene animals for auction.

Yeah we just added terms on all our sales of 10% going towards this, its not much but hopefully it works out and helps. I wish I was in a better spot as well, wish this would hold off another year or so for when my nice clown projects start kicking off.

I donated. The fund is to bring a lawsuit against the FWS for putting the snakes on the Lacey Act. They don't want retics and red tails going on it. It doesn't have a "x" amount because they don't know what the total will be. This will be paying for lawyers, and other expenses associated with the lawsuit.

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Originally Posted by Marrissa

Anyone see a goal they're working towards obtaining? Like X amount of money?

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We've been asking for that for a couple years. This is what, the third time they've asked for donations for this lawsuit fund? Sorry guys, I'm all donated out until I see some numbers, and I'm sure I'm not the only one.

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Originally Posted by Shadera

We've been asking for that for a couple years. This is what, the third time they've asked for donations for this lawsuit fund? Sorry guys, I'm all donated out until I see some numbers, and I'm sure I'm not the only one.

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Yes the track record isn't the best but that was because of Wyatt. He is gone now and Phil seems like a great guy. They really are our only hope though.

Just read an article on Brian Potter's facebook that says we need to raise around $250k. Big time lawyers aren't cheap.

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Originally Posted by Pennstater6

Just read an article on Brian Potter's facebook that says we need to raise around $250k. Big time lawyers aren't cheap.

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Considering the amount of $ those jacktards from PETA and HSUS have to toss around, $250K feels like a knife at a gunfight.

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Originally Posted by patientz3ro

Considering the amount of $ those jacktards from PETA and HSUS have to toss around, $250K feels like a knife at a gunfight.

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Well that just to start the lawsuit. It will take a lot more to win this fight. If we could raise more I'm sure it would help them but nobody donates. All the people on this board need to donate at least $5. That would make a huge difference but for some reason the people who don't donate think there are other organizations fighting for us. There's not, this is what we have to work with. If it helps with confidence in USARK, NERD, BHB, etc are behind them 100% but they can't do it alone. We have to step up now or we will wish we did when our pets are gone.

I will donate in a few weeks when I get my bonus.

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I'll donate right now if I can pay through paypal..if not I'll have to mail a money order,cause I'm just not mailing a personal check to somewhere or someone Idk...

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Originally Posted by Pennstater6

Well that just to start the lawsuit. It will take a lot more to win this fight. If we could raise more I'm sure it would help them but nobody donates. All the people on this board need to donate at least $5. That would make a huge difference but for some reason the people who don't donate think there are other organizations fighting for us. There's not, this is what we have to work with. If it helps with confidence in USARK, NERD, BHB, etc are behind them 100% but they can't do it alone. We have to step up now or we will wish we did when our pets are gone.

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U think everyone should donate $5 ,that's funny,cause ppl on here can't even afford to buy mouse hoppers for there pets or substrate,so good luck with that..plus a lot of ppl are cheap.

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Originally Posted by NYHC4LIFE8899

U think everyone should donate $5 ,that's funny,cause ppl on here can't even afford to buy mouse hoppers for there pets or substrate,so good luck with that..plus a lot of ppl are cheap.

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What? Many of us donated more than five dollars and I've never heard of anyone on here not having enough money to feed their snakes food or buy bedding. Don't think any of those owners would be on this forum.

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Originally Posted by NYHC4LIFE8899

U think everyone should donate $5 ,that's funny,cause ppl on here can't even afford to buy mouse hoppers for there pets or substrate,so good luck with that..plus a lot of ppl are cheap.

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YOU'RE cheap and it's becoming clear you don't actually care about the animals you keep.

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Originally Posted by NYHC4LIFE8899

U think everyone should donate $5 ,that's funny,cause ppl on here can't even afford to buy mouse hoppers for there pets or substrate,so good luck with that..plus a lot of ppl are cheap.

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Yes everyone who keeps herps should donate. This is a battle for our rights and freedoms to keep the animals we love. $5 isn't much at all. Realy just donate as much as you can but everyone should donate.

We have donated twice. It wasn't much but every little bit helps. :)

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Originally Posted by NYHC4LIFE8899

U think everyone should donate $5 ,that's funny,cause ppl on here can't even afford to buy mouse hoppers for there pets or substrate,so good luck with that..plus a lot of ppl are cheap.

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Quite literally it's just one round of steroids or a day without a protein shake, that's all it would take to free up the money to donate.

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Originally Posted by NYHC4LIFE8899

U think everyone should donate $5 ,that's funny,cause ppl on here can't even afford to buy mouse hoppers for there pets or substrate,so good luck with that..plus a lot of ppl are cheap.

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So do you like to see yourself type or just pad your post count?
Again you are quoting nothing of fact.
You have no clue what most of us do to support our hobby of choice, maybe you need to just sit back and learn a little more about this group before you continue bashing everyone.
You might be coming due to take a break.

Just sent $20 their way. Maybe I should do more research into where my money will go but my cop-out is that I just don't have the time between work and home life. I have some pets that are illegal in some states and pose a much higher risk to humans than boas but I don't see PETA or the HSUS trying to ban them from being pets. It is only because they aren't popular, which is just more proof in my eyes that they simply want to keep any animals from being pets. If alligators were the only pets kept in the U.S. of A. then they would care. Can't stand the (insert bad name here)s.

Just made a donation. Will donate more after the holidays.

I will be donating after I get my first paycheck.

The reptile community is very generous; I'm not sure why you think five bucks would be such a big deal. Don't be negative about it. Donate if you love your hobby!

I will be donating this Friday. The reptile community has been overdue for a contribution from me for too long. Gotta protect those we love, amirite?

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Sadly, I got outbid on the fb auction (but donated my bid amount anyway), which for those who missed it was spectacular! I was really blown away by the generosity of the donors and the strength of the response of the bidders.

I wonder if there's any way to get some legal work donated to the cause?

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Originally Posted by Badgemash

Sadly, I got outbid on the fb auction (but donated my bid amount anyway), which for those who missed it was spectacular! I was really blown away by the generosity of the donors and the strength of the response of the bidders.

I wonder if there's any way to get some legal work donated to the cause?

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I was REEAALLYY considering bidding on the Protean Terrariums gift certificate... Then I looked them up. Run away! RUN AWAY!

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Originally Posted by patientz3ro

I was REEAALLYY considering bidding on the Protean Terrariums gift certificate... Then I looked them up. Run away! RUN AWAY!

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And now I'm curious, gonna have to go look that up now.

I bid on the cat sanctuary thing, I wanted to bid on the Boelen's pair but they went WAY over my 'justifiable impulse buy' threshold (like an order of magnitude over). What an awesome donation though!

I'm at work with limited looking around, how much has been raised so far?

The fb auctions alone garnered over 40k.

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Originally Posted by Badgemash

And now I'm curious, gonna have to go look that up now.

I bid on the cat sanctuary thing, I wanted to bid on the Boelen's pair but they went WAY over my 'justifiable impulse buy' threshold (like an order of magnitude over). What an awesome donation though!

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There are more bad reviews, ripoff reports, and discussions of them being banned from faunaclassifieds, dendroboard, and others than you can shake a stick at. Frankly, I'm surprised they were allowed to submit an item for auction. It's a shame, because I'd love something like their P1 design. According to their website they supply terraria to the NERD retail store, so I don't know. On the other hand, Kevin is a pretty big name in the reptile industry, so shafting him on an order could spell doom for a small company like PTD. Stiffing Joe Public for a custom order... Not so much.

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Originally Posted by patientz3ro

There are more bad reviews, ripoff reports, and discussions of them being banned from faunaclassifieds, dendroboard, and others than you can shake a stick at. Frankly, I'm surprised they were allowed to submit an item for auction. It's a shame, because I'd love something like their P1 design. According to their website they supply terraria to the NERD retail store, so I don't know. On the other hand, Kevin is a pretty big name in the reptile industry, so shafting him on an order could spell doom for a small company like PTD. Stiffing Joe Public for a custom order... Not so much.

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Holy cow. All anyone has to do is take a glance at Google after searching 'Protean Terrariums reviews.' Uh-uh! lol

USARK has filed a lawsuit. Here's the announcement as USARK's website is being slow.

The United States Association of Reptile Keepers filed suit in the U.S. Federal Court against the U.S. Department of the Interior, challenging the Lacey Act listing of four species of constrictor snakes as “injurious.” This is a powerful day for the Reptile Nation, as we fight to protect your rights to pursue your passion and defend your businesses against unwarranted and unnecessary government intrusion.

USARK has been planning and laying the legal groundwork for months to ensure the strongest case possible. Our key objective is to challenge the listing of four species of constrictor snakes as injurious under the Lacey Act and put the government on notice that we intend to challenge any additional listings, including Reticulated pythons and Boa constrictors. As an established trade association, USARK has the legal standing necessary to mount this challenge and provide the best advocacy and representation possible.

The decision to move forward was not made lightly, however, after extensive legal analysis and planning by the USARK Board and our legal team at Kelley Drye, USARK determined it was not in the best interests of our community to sit back and wait until a final determination is made on the “Constrictor Rule” and hope for the best. The challenge will be litigated by a team of Kelley Drye attorneys with extensive experience in regulatory challenges and administrative law. Kelley Drye is the most qualified team to tackle this and their documented success with animal-related issues is the reason they represent USARK.

Key elements of the suit include the government’s failure to respond to challenges to the underlying science relied on by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as required by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), as well as the question of whether the Lacey Act can be used to restrict interstate commerce in listed species. USARK has invested heavily to establish a strong record to support this legal challenge, dating back to the initial challenge to FWS' inadequate economic impact analysis. USARK commissioned the Georgetown Economic Services (GES) study and brought our case to the Small Business Administration’s Office of Advocacy and the Office of Management and Budget.

In April of 2013, USARK presented the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and Department of the Interior (DOI) with a 30+ page detailed letter demonstrating the Service’s many failures to meet its legal duties under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and other laws. The letter highlighted flaws and manipulation of the science used to list four species of snakes as injurious. No fair examination of the evidence can support a ban on these species based on their potential invasive nature. USARK’s letter served notice to FWS that it cannot continue with listing the remaining five snakes without reopening comment and considering new science and information.

This legal action demonstrates USARK’s commitment to follow through on our promises to fight for your rights. Whether you are a hobbyist, breeder, pet owner or business operator, and whether you deal in constrictor snakes, other reptiles and amphibians or herp-related products and services, this landmark legal challenge is important to you and your future.

This battle will be expensive and we must continue to secure funding. USARK appreciates all donations as this fight and our continued battle against anti-reptile legislation would not be possible without your support. Donations can be made directly on the USARK website at http://usark.org/reptile-defense-fund-2/.

Its a good day.

Man, I really had to dig to find the auction for USARK, and it looks like I missed it. Where were all the advertisements for it?

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Originally Posted by 3skulls

Its a good day.

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You know in the movie, Signs, when the aliens are leaving Earth and the little girl is showing how the people on TV are dancing?

Yeah. That good.

Dear HSUS and PETA,

Bite me.

Sincerely,
The Nation.

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$41,156 was the total from the auctions.

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Originally Posted by Kodieh

$41,156 was the total from the auctions.

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That's in less than 9 days, too, right?

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Originally Posted by patientz3ro

That's in less than 9 days, too, right?

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I believe so. Across 107 auctions.

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So yeah, where was this hub at to show all these auctions? Did we have one? I would think it would make sense for folks to donate animals to USARK and then run the auctions on their facebook like NERD does but I couldnt find anything that organized.

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Originally Posted by OctagonGecko729

So yeah, where was this hub at to show all these auctions? Did we have one? I would think it would make sense for folks to donate animals to USARK and then run the auctions on their facebook like NERD does but I couldnt find anything that organized.

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The group was called Reptile and Amphibian Charity Auctions on Facebook.

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The auctions are the best way for them to make money here. The 'margin' on multi-gene snakes is outrageous - big keepers who are hatching hundreds of them could/should easily donate a handful of snakes for the auctions without putting themselves out of business and, to put it in perspective, would go out of business if this legislation keeps pushing forward.

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Originally Posted by MrLang

The auctions are the best way for them to make money here. The 'margin' on multi-gene snakes is outrageous - big keepers who are hatching hundreds of them could/should easily donate a handful of snakes for the auctions without putting themselves out of business and, to put it in perspective, would go out of business if this legislation keeps pushing forward.

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And when you start talking USARK benefit auctions, you're gonna end up paying more in the end too. So that animal will fetch more than if it sold in a classified. Not to mention the good the money will do.

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I don't remember how I stumbled across the auctions. I'm glad I did for it was a glorious thing to watch. I ended up with something small, but glad I was able to get something and give something to this fight. There were a lot of animals that went for some big bucks. The next round I hope to donate some snake shed jewelry that I make. I'm giving what I can to protect the animals I love.