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Find all of our alerts at https://usark.org/alerts/.

ALERT: South Carolina

There must be constant phone calls and emails today and tomorrow morning (May 10/11) if there is any chance to stop this! We have new sample letters and more at https://usark.org/2021-sc-venom/. If you already called/emailed, do it again! If either bill passes tomorrow, phone calls, faxes, and emails must be immediately redirected to the Governor’s office (details in alert). There are also herpetoculturists gathering at the Capitol on May 11 to bring attention to this unjust action.

Go to the link and get busy!

Read more and take action at https://usark.org/2021-sc-venom/.

Facebook post (for sharing): https://www.facebook.com/UnitedStatesAssociationOfReptileKeepers/photos/a.398227663592526/3929072997174624/
FWS FOIA Requests
USFWS released a notice today (May 10, 2021) regarding the receipt of Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests for wildlife/flora import and export data stored in LEMIS. This means that businesses and brokers may be subject to having all information from their Form 3-177's released to the requesting parties.

The deadline for affected businesses/brokers to contact USFWS with an objection to the release of certain requested material is June 1, 2021. Objecting may be important to protect confidential and/or proprietary information for businesses/persons who import or export wildlife specimens and flora requiring Form 3-177.Get more details and read the notice at https://usark.org/2021-fws-foia/.

Facebook post: https://www.facebook.com/UnitedStatesAssociationOfReptileKeepers/posts/3938459416235982
ALERT: North Carolina
House Bill 594 (H594) is another “traveling animal act” ban that misleads as to its intention. This bill, titled “Traveling Animal and Public Safety Protection Act,” includes an introduction rife with misinformation with the intent to spark emotion from the reader. H594 prohibits using certain animals (list at the link and even includes tortoises and small monitors) in "traveling animal acts," which will include the educational outreach programs provided by many animal keepers. The punishment is a Class II misdemeanor with a maximum penalty of 60 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.

PLEASE READ THE LAST SENTENCE AGAIN! With all of the problems in our world, we actually have to fight a bill that could land you in jail for 60 days because you took a tortoise to a classroom to talk about reptiles.

Full details at the links below.

Website ALERT
: https://usark.org/alert-nc-2021/

Facebook ALERT: https://www.facebook.com/UnitedStatesAssociationOfReptileKeepers/photos/a.398227663592526/3881285385286719/
Shipping Live Herps Responsibly and Ethically
Animal welfare is both a priority and a special concern when shipping live reptiles and amphibians. When conditions around shipping pose a hazard that cannot be otherwise mitigated, reptiles should not be shipped.

Read our full statement at https://usark.org/2021-safe-shipping/.

On Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/UnitedStatesAssociationOfReptileKeepers/photos/a.398227663592526/3737466813001911/.
Find A Vet

Need a good herp veterinarian? The Association of Reptilian and Amphibian Veterinarians (ARAV) can help. ARAV provides a free Find-A-Vet service at http://arav.site-ym.com/search/custom.asp?id=3661.










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