RED ALERT: Stop Federal Python BAN!

Paper sent.

If anyone thinks that this doesn't apply to them, because they don't own one of "The 9", think about it. The first eight snakes listed are specific animals. Boa Constrictor is not a specific name, but a sub-species that contains 10 more snakes. Now the list suddenly increases from "The 9" to "The 19". Here they are:

1) Boa Constrictor Constrictor (BCC)
2) Boa Constrictor Imperator (BCI)
3) Boa Constrictor Amarali
4) Boa Constrictor Longicauda
5) Boa Constrictor Melanogaster
6) Boa Constrictor Nebulosa
7) Boa Constrictor Occidentalis
8) Boa Constrictor Orophias
9) Boa Constrictor Ortonii
10) Boa Constrictor Sabogae

At a minimum, the proposed ban list includes all red-tails, island boas, and dwarf boas. I haven't been able to find the exact text of the bill, to find out exactly what their definition of Boa Constrictor is.
If they are using the term Boa Constrictor to describe the sub-family Boinae, then you can add all of the tree boas, rainbow boas, rubber boas, Rosy Boas, and the three Madagascar boas to the list as well, which would add approximately 35 more snakes to the list. So, now it goes from "The 9" to "The 54".
If their definition of the term Boa Constrictor describes the family Boidae, then you can also add all of the sand boas to that list.

That list does not ban "only 9 snakes" or just the "big ones". It's no secret that they are gunning for the whole industry.

Sent. I wish these idiots would stop telling us what we can and can't do.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ER12

RED ALERT: Stop Federal Python BAN!
This is the final push in the BIG FIGHT to stop the Boa and Python BAN! This BIG FIGHT has been 4 years in the making (since 2008) ... Help USARK put the Python Ban to rest in 2012! Please participate and help the Reptile Nation overcome the most devistating attack the Herp Community has ever faced!! Please read and follow the instructions to ensure your voice is heard by President Obama, the US Congress and the US Senate.

US Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) has a proposed rule being considered by the White House Office of Management & Budget (OMB). This is the final stage of the rule making process. This rule, if enacted, would ban the import and interstate transport of nine constricting snakes; Burmese python, Northern & Southern African pythons, Reticulated python, all four Anacondas, and Boa constrictor. This rule has been called the "Constrictor Rule". All of these constrictors would be added to the Injurious Wildlife list of the Lacey Act. If this were to happen more than 1 million American citizens could be subject to felony prosecution under the Lacey Act. It is the job of OMB to weigh the purported benefits of the rule against the economic impacts. It is also their duty to assure the rule has been given due process under the Administrative Procedures Act, Information Quality Act and all pertinent Executive Orders. USARK has created a clear public record that FWS has failed at every level to make their case for this rule. According to emails obtained by USARK it appears that staff at FWS colluded with staff at the US Geological Survey (USGS) to manufacture "science" to support this rule making after the decision had already been made to pursue a Lacey Act listing. Further, FWS grossly underestimated the economic impact. USGS has justified their flawed "science" by saying they were not required to adhere to information quality standards for science used to support the rule because the rule did not meet the standard for a major rule making ($100 million). An economic assessment of the Modern Reptile Industry commissioned by USARK, and done by Georgetown Economic Services, has since debunked USGS claims by asserting that the rule could have impact in excess of $103 million. USARK believes the actions of FWS and USGS in regards to the Constrictor Rule are arbitrary, capricious and potentially unlawful.

Please send the letter below to President Obama and your Senators and Congressmen to let them know you are aware of the actions of FWS and the negative impact on you, your family and business. Just follow the simple instructions.

Do it now and share with all your friends, family, social networks, forums and email lists! This is your chance to make a difference and help USARK set a positive precedent for our industry.
united-states-association-of-reptile-keepers.rallycongress.com/5799/no-on-fws-python-rule-bad-american-small-business-families-alread/

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SENT ! We should be able to keep our snakes!

Already got one response;

Quote:

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January 6, 2012


Dear Ms. Gath,

Thank you for contacting me about efforts to ban the importation of certain snake species into the United States. I appreciate hearing from you.

Specific to your concerns, Representative Thomas Rooney (R-FL) introduced H.R. 511 on January 26, 2011. Among its provisions, H.R. 511 would amend the federal criminal code to prohibit the importation of pythons, boa constrictors, and anacondas into the United States.

Currently, the bill is pending before the House Judiciary Committee. I understand your concerns about this bill and the impacts it may have on the domestic reptile industry. Please be assured that I will keep your thoughts in mind as this measure progresses through the legislative process.

Thank you again for your correspondence. Please do not hesitate to contact me in the future if I can be of assistance.

Sincerely,

Signature

Pat Toomey
U.S. Senator, Pennsylvania

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Did anyone else get a response? I sent one, my fiancée sent one. We just can't send hard copies.

Sent emails and payed for the printed letters. Thanks for putting this to everyones attention.

Regards,

B

Sent emails sorry i am unable to send hard. but i got a reply. already here it is:

Dear Tylyn,



Thank you for contacting my office. I appreciate your taking the time to share your thoughts about current issues. Please be assured that constituent correspondence will receive a reply in the near future.



Sincerely,



Pat Toomey
U.S. Senator, Pennsylvania

Signed, sent emails, paid for hard copies. We gotta take this thing down, trying to police a pet industry highlighted in their eyes only because of the hype of how "scary" the animals are rather than how lethal/dangerous (dog maulings vs deaths due to reptiles anyone?) is ridiculous. Plus the encouragement of HSUS and PETA, but that's a different can of worms altogether

My letters have been sent. I hope our efforts put this ban to rest!