ALERT: Raleigh, NC
Raleigh is once again discussing a "dangerous wild animal" ordinance. The draft ordinance currently has vague language that could ban all "non-domesticated animals." Raleigh residents must call in if they want to make a difference. Local residents need to voice opposition!

The hearing is June 21 at 1:00 PM. While this is a later agenda item, the public comment portion is at the beginning of the meeting. Speakers must register by 5:00 PM on June 20 (link on our website alert).

We have all information on our website at https://usark.org/2021-alert-raleigh-nc/.
CrocFest Conservation Fundraiser
Join the CrocFest and herp communities on June 25th, 2022 at Everglades Alligator Farm. In addition to getting together with like-minded individuals, you can feel good about contributing to two important projects involving Orinoco crocodiles in Venezuela and Colombia. Orinoco crocodiles were brought to near-extinction in the mid-1900s by unsustainable hunting for hides. Though large-scale hunting has been prohibited, their populations have never fully recovered.

Get all details at https://www.facebook.com/events/5287574221294400.
Import/Export Advisory
Certain airlines (Air Canada and possibly Lufthansa and Thai Airways International) have begun what should be a temporary moratorium on transporting "cold-blooded animals" (reptiles, amphibians, and fish) in certain aircraft that have "non-heated cargo bays." So far, this seems to include B-737 and smaller aircraft. Air Canada is currently only allowing these shipments on B-777 aircraft.

In a Cargo Compliance Advisory, Air Canada stated: Effectively immediately, all COLD-BLOODED ANIMALS (PLC) cannot be loaded into non-heated cargo bays, therefore, only B-777 is allowed to transport PLC shipments.

We advise shippers utilizing these airlines to be sure their shipments will be cleared before booking and will inform as updates are provided.

Posted on our website at https://usark.org/iata1/.
Lacey Act Amendments
Please keep contacting your legislators! The conference committee has been working to merge the Senate and House versions of this bill, primarily through executive meetings (not public hearings). We reported following the first public hearing with a video you can view at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZu7M3BTD3A. Remember, we are not trying to stop this bill but we need to keep the Lacey Act amendments from being hidden in this expansive piece of legislation. We have heard that the committee would like to have the draft bill completed before the July 4th break (which begins the last week of June) but we must wait to see if they hit this date. Regardless, keep calling and emailing!

On April 7, we reported the members of the conference committee that will merge (or reconcile) the two bills we have been discussing since January 28 (HR4521 America COMPETES Act from the House and S1260 USICA from the Senate). You can find that list of conferees at https://usark.org/laceycomm/. If any of these are your legislators, please contact them with your opposition (even if you have already done so)! If your legislators are not listed, you should still let your opposition to these Lacey Act amendments be known through phone calls, mailed letters, faxes, and emails.

Our permanent alert link for taking action (and where we have posted these updates) remains https://usark.org/2022lacey/.

Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/UnitedStatesAssociationOfReptileKeepers/photos/a.4688220141259902/4775694432512472.
Lacey Act Frequently Act Questions (FAQ)
We have compiled a comprehensive list of questions and answers regarding the unsettling Lacey Act amendments found in the America COMPETES Act. Please read and share to keep animal communities and businesses informed. This is especially helpful on social media where we have seen misinformation posted regarding this issue. This FAQ is a very valuable and informative tool to keep everyone educated. Thank you to everyone opposing these disturbing and overreaching changes to the Lacey Act!

On our website: https://usark.org/2022laceyfaq/

On Facebook (image 1): https://www.facebook.com/UnitedStatesAssociationOfReptileKeepers/photos/4891602957588285/

On Facebook (image 2): https://www.facebook.com/UnitedStatesAssociationOfReptileKeepers/photos/4895288790553035/
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