Fundraising Run Across Texas Marcin is a Marine on a Texas-sized mission (literally)! Marcin of Bigger Better Reptiles is going to take an 850-mile trek across the state of Texas. This will be his longest run, and he is doing it as a fundraiser for USARK.
From Marcin: "USARK is fighting for our rights as reptile keepers. Our way of life is constantly being threatened, and it is important that we have people fighting for us so that we can continue pursuing our passion with these animals. We want to raise money for them to help fund their cause. We plan to start running on March 21st, 2025. Let’s make this happen! Thanks, y’all."
SPONSORS WANTED: Anyone interested in sponsorships or contributing to this effort, please email biggerbetterreptiles@gmail.com. They have an online donation site (SpotFund) at https://www.spotfund.com/story/adaf23f2-7beb-43da-be49-45bb9dfdb96e. Thank you, Marcin and BBR!
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Next Council meeting: Monday, December 9, at 1:00 pm – City Council Chambers at 324 W. Evans Street.
The first reading was on November 18. Local stakeholders opposed to this ban should contact their City Council representative and the Mayor as soon as possible.
Website Alert: https://usark.org/24sc2/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=970427231780373&set=a.753333170156448
ALERT UPDATE: Burlington, VT Read the full alert at https://usark.org/24vt/. This is just an update.
UPDATE 11/5/24: STOPPED! Thank you to those who opposed this overreaching and unjust ban. The Dog Task Force presenter did not mention the proposal to ban tens of thousands of “exotic animals.” However, the Burlington Ordinance Committee highlighted the many messages received opposing the exotic animal ban and focused on that. The Committee asked questions and decided to remove the proposal to ban tens of thousands of animal species (which included fish, birds, reptiles, and more).
USARK was the only group allowed to testify during the limited public speaking session and had to correct some misinformation presented by a local attorney who is seemingly behind this ban. One local pet owner was able to attend in person to speak and did a great job.
These bans easily pass if no one is paying attention. This issue may resurface, but it will not advance at this time. USARK will keep you posted.
BOA SHIRTS are now shipping! They just arrived, so get yours now! Three styles are available, but two are very limited.
Click the image or this link to BUY NOW! https://usark.org/shop/
This screen-printed cotton/polyester blend shirt is extremely soft and wrinkle-resistant.
FREE sticker and shipping!
Adeline Robinson created the artwork at https://www.adelinerobinsonart.com.
Light Bulb Ban Read more information with action alert at https://usark.org/24doe/.
In 2022, the Department of Energy (“Department”) passed a regulation that banned certain incandescent light bulbs. Basically, light bulbs are deemed inefficient if they do not emit a certain amount of lumens per watt. This was meant to transition from less efficient bulbs to more efficient lighting, like LED bulbs.
Reptile lighting is a specialty item and is not used for general-purpose lighting in homes and businesses. However, certain bulbs were reviewed solely on how many lumens they produced per watt. Herp keepers know that halogen and basking bulbs are not used in household lamps for general lighting.
Read the rest and take action at https://usark.org/24doe/.
ALERT: Lansford, PA Read the full alert at https://usark.org/24pa3/.
The Lansford Council has directed the borough solicitor (city attorney) to draft an exotic animal ordinance. Anyone in the borough who owns animals other than dogs and cats should engage with their Council members.
ALERT: Michigan Read the full alert at https://usark.org/24mi/.
Senator Polehanki has introduced a late bill in the Michigan Senate to classify all crocodilians as prohibited species. A grandfather clause allows the owner to obtain a permit from Michigan DNR. Owners who held crocodilians before the effective date will have 180 days to get permits.
ALERT: Amelia County, VA Read the full alert athttps://usark.org/24va/.
Amelia County is discussing potential changes to its exotic animal ordinance. Stakeholders should engage in the process.
ALERT: Colorado UPDATE 10/15/24: The stakeholder webinar was today. All PACFA licensees should review the draft changes and submit comments. There may be updated text at the November Advisory Committee meeting.
Read the full alert at www.usark.org/24co2. Below is only a snippet.
The Pet Animal Care and Facilities Act (PACFA) Program under the Colorado Department of Agriculture has drafted new regulations and amendments. Changes apply to herp, bird, fish, and mammal regulations. There is a link in our alert with the changes marked in red and described in detail (last several pages). This is a first draft for review, and PACFA is taking input from stakeholders. We appreciate PACFA working with stakeholders.
Rule changes include:
+ Enclosure requirements and minimum thresholds before requiring a PACFA license for certain reptiles and amphibians
+ Exemptions from sterilization requirements for cats and dogs in shelters and rescues
+ Vaccination requirements for dogs, cats, and ferrets imported into PACFA-licensed facilities
+ Adding definitions and rules around foster homes and foster providers |
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USARK featured in USA Today article! snippet: "Bearded dragons have grown in popularity and are great options for people with limited space, or those who suffer from allergies that are aggravated by dogs and cats, according to the U.S. Association of Reptile Keepers."
Read more of "Meet the 'golden retriever' of pet reptiles, the bearded dragon" at https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/pets/2024/09/20/bearded-dragon-care/75274898007/
OTHER ALERTS
ALERT: Diamondback Terrapin ESA Listing Snippet: On September 19, 2024, the Center for Biological Diversity (CBD) petitioned the National Marine Fisheries Service (informally known as NOAA Fisheries and an agency within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA) to list the Diamondback terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin) as endangered under the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA)...
Like many aspects of our world today, ESA must update and evolve. Enacted in 1973, ESA is now outdated and flawed. While well-intended in 1973, and vital for protecting U.S. native species when warranted, the efforts made to protect our endangered species create regulations lacking nuance, which can be harmful to saving species. ESA listings that rely only upon traditional conservation approaches, such as the methodology in this petition, and do not consider our modern world are an illogical dead-end for endangered species.
Read the full alert at https://usark.org/24esa3/.
ALERT: Bill to Add Herps and Fish to the Animal Welfare Act On September 12, Representative Betty McCollum introduced HR9571, which will “amend the Animal Welfare Act to include cold-blooded species as animals, and for other purposes.” This will add reptiles, amphibians, fish, and cephalopods “as animals” under the Animal Welfare Act (AWA), meaning the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) must develop new regulations. Basically, the USDA would now be required to license and inspect facilities and breeders with these animals. Businesses would need to comply with new USDA regulations or lose their licenses. The USDA recently began inspecting and licensing aviculturists (bird breeders). The bill has been assigned to the House Agriculture Committee. We will post more information when available. Read the bill text at https://usark.org/24us1/.
Snippet: The term ‘animal’ means any live or dead warm-blooded animal (including a dog, cat, monkey (nonhuman primate mammal), guinea pig, hamster, rabbit, or bird), cold-blooded animal (including a reptile, amphibian, cephalopod, or fish)...
ARTICLE: "Light bulb ban threatens reptile, amphibian welfare" by the Veterinary Infomation Network snippet: "The ban should be a concern of animal caretakers for many species," said Latney, a senior veterinarian at the Schwarzman Animal Medical Center who also is chair of the Association for Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarians (ARAV). "This is particularly true for captive reptiles, amphibians, birds and mammal species that have limited exposure to natural, unfiltered sunlight."
Read the full article at https://news.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=210&Id=12254509&f5=1.
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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