HR 511 ‘Python Ban’ Released By House Judiciary

[ER12]

On Friday, September 21st, the US House Judiciary Committee finally reported out HR 511. The release was made on the last day before Congress broke for the upcoming elections. HR 511 was actually passed out of the House Judiciary Committee on February 28, 2012 where it had been languishing for months. This bill, if passed as currently drafted, would add 9 constricting snakes to the Injurious Wildlife List of the Lacey Act. HR 511 is a rewrite by Congressman Tom Rooney (R-FL) of SB 373 which USARK defeated in 2010.


The release of HR 511 comes on the heels of a very productive visit to Capitol Hill by USARK President and CEO, Andrew Wyatt, and the National Geographic Society Resident Herpetologist, Dr. Brady Barr. Wyatt and Barr were well received by members of the Judiciary, as well as members of the House Natural Resources (HNR) Committee, where HR 511 will likely receive another hearing.

Barr highlighted the growing body of scientific evidence that stands in stark contrast to the controversial science from US Geological Survey underpinning the initiative. Wyatt went on to illustrate the economic damage being done to small businesses targeted by HR 511 and the recent rule-making by US Fish & Wildlife Service that added 4 constricting snakes to the Injurious Wildlife List.

USARK Consultant Joan Galvin of the law firm Kelley Drye stated, ”Based on the Judiciary Committee’s hearing and the accompanying report issued by staff, we believe that the members did not thoroughly understand the ramifications of the bill and the economic impact to our industry. We are hopeful that the HNR Committee will have the opportunity to hold a hearing on HR511 when Congress returns to allow our industry to set the record straight as to the misrepresentations made about the underlying science and risks to ecosystems, as well as about the substantial economic impact and unnecessary restrictions on our ability to keep, breed, trade and collect the 9 constricting snakes. USARK’s discussions with HNR staff continue and we are ready to participate fully”.

USARK CEO, Andrew Wyatt urges Committee members to remember Judiciary Member, and House Oversight & Government Reform Chair, Darryl Issa’s (R-CA) characterization of the issue as a “job killer,” and a terrible case of “government overreach”.

USARK hopes to be able to set the record straight in a hearing at the HNR Committee, but remains vigilant especially in regards to the ‘lame duck’ session in the wake of elections.

***WARNING- There has been much misinformation floating around on the internet. USARK is the only national organization dedicated to the herp community, and is engaged at the highest levels on federal and state issues. We are very careful to make sure our information is accurate. Beware of sources that do not have first hand knowledge. If you want to get the best information contact USARK directly or come to NARBC Tinley Park in Chicago where USARK representatives will be on hand to discuss issues.

[xFenrir]

Will be keeping a very close eye on this and any new news that they come out with. Will there be any way for us "normal keepers" to do anything against this bill?

[gsarchie]

"H.R. 511 would ban the import or interstate trade for use as pets of the Indian python (including Burmese python), reticulated python, Northern African python, Southern African python, boa constrictor, green anaconda, yellow anaconda, DeSchauensee’s anaconda and Beni anaconda."

Based on this excerpt from a news article that I found it isn't nine new snakes but the original four and 5 new species. I really HATE the HSUS. Someone should drop a tactical nuke on their headquarters. They are fanatics and extremists, and nothing good can ever come from extremism. Best example - extremist Muslims that think it's okay to kill people if you "disrespect" their prophet. I used quotes because if you even show a picture depicting him in any way it is considered disrespect.

Will be keeping a very close eye on this and any new news that they come out with. Will there be any way for us "normal keepers" to do anything against this bill?

Become a member of USARK and donate to them. You could also write your reps in the house and tell them about what you do and how this new bill's passage would affect you personally.

[reptileexperts]

http://www.kingsnake.com/blog/archiv...Lacey-Act.html

more info

[Libby]

Many years ago I was an employee (kennel cleaner) at a humane society, and would like to share a little bit of information about the structure of HSUS. Most people don't realize it, but the individual shelters are not "owned" by the HSUS, but rather are locally operated facilities, which are members of the umbrella organization. There are HUGE philosophical differences between different locations, which is why some have animal control contracts with the municipalities where they are located and some don't. Some accept animals for surrender, while some only take in strays that come in via animal control. Some provide low cost spay/neuter services to the public, others don't/can't. Some of them only accept cats and dogs, others will also take large animals and exotics. The biggest philosophical difference between facilities is whether they will euthanize or whether it is a "no-kill" shelter. (Not as simple as you might think when the choice is between dumping scarce resources into an extremely sick animal, which may or may not get better or may not have an appropriate temperament to be placed with a family, or being able to care for and actually adopt out multiple healthy animals that need homes, not to mention keeping animals long term in a kennel can lead to cage trauma, which is not exactly humane.)

As a result, the national HSUS organization does not necessarily represent the views of your local humane society. I would even be willing to bet that your local shelter isn't even aware of this pending legislation. I don't know whether (diplomatically) expressing your views on HR 511 to your local shelter would be effective as a lobbying effort, but it certainly couldn't hurt. Also having a good relationship with your local animal welfare group and offering to help care for reptiles that land on their doorstep or share knowledge or expertise is never a bad thing.