Some updates from USARK, more alerts beyond just Florida:
Florida ALERT
There is another fight in Florida. If you have followed USARK and USARK FL Alerts, you will already know that we need to fight Senate Bill 906 (SB906) and its companion bill, House Bill 1415 (HB1415). Now an even worse bill has been assigned a hearing, SB1414, which has a companion bill, HB777. In addition to banning the possession and any activities with both the green iguana (Iguana iguana) and the Argentine black and white tegu (Salvator merianae), SB1414 will also end the current Conditional Species permit regulation. SB1414 and HB777 would make all Conditional species into Prohibited species.

If you think a ban makes sense, please be sure to read our full alert. These bills would all yield many unintended consequences. These proposals are completely misguided and irrational.

It takes less than 10 minutes to learn what is happening and take action. Just click the links below!

ACTION ALERT direct link:www.usarkfl.org/post/2020ban

Facebook ALERT link: www.facebook.com/usarkfl/photos/a.166328888040966/166326754707846
Colorado ALERT
BAN on educational outreach programs and more with any animal non-native to Colorado! A hearing has been scheduled for February 13 at 1:30 PM. The language of this bill is confusing for many people, so it is important to read our full alert. Additionally, we have been made aware that, as usual, the animal rights group(s) who wrote and are pushing this bill are intentionally misleading legislators regarding the consequences and impacts.

Full details and alert at www.facebook.com/UnitedStatesAssociationOfReptileKeepers/photos/a.398227663592526/2696747393740530.
Washington State ALERT
A traveling animal act bill has been introduced. House bill 2824 (HB2824) will ban certain animals at "any exhibition, public showing, presentation, display, exposition, fair, animal act, circus, ride, trade show, petting zoo, carnival, parade, race, or similar undertaking..."

Full details and alert at www.facebook.com/UnitedStatesAssociationOfReptileKeepers/photos/a.2656047597810510/2689083401173596/?type=1&theater.
South Carolina ALERT
Two bills have been introduced (and have passed committees) with the stated purpose of protecting South Carolina's native herp species, as there truly is a major problem with overcollection and animal trafficking in the state. The bills also affect activities by responsible keepers and breeders so stakeholders should be fully informed on what is happening and learn what they can do to be involved.

Full details at www.facebook.com/UnitedStatesAssociationOfReptileKeepers/photos/a.2656047597810510/2656458114436125.
Indiana Update
UPDATE: The bill did not receive a vote at either of the last two hearings and it seems it will once again die. Read about House bill 1200 at www.facebook.com/UnitedStatesAssociationOfReptileKeepers/photos/a.2656047597810510/2667524226662847.
Oklahoma ALERT
House bill 3604 is a "Dangerous Wild Animal" bill with an included species list.

LINK: www.facebook.com/UnitedStatesAssociationOfReptileKeepers/photos/a.2656047597810510/2677132029035400
Fundraiser Auction
Auction time! The Southeast Carpetfest auction, in coordination with the Southeast Carpetfest 2020 event, has launched.All proceeds go to fund nidovirus research.Just click the link below to see all of the donations. The auction ends Feb. 8.

LINK: www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=oa.1737736879696227
Crocodile Conservation Fundraiser and IgaunaFest Update
The awesome people behind CrocFest are at it again! They have been helping save crocodiles for 10 years and they want this to be the biggest and best fundraiser yet. To cap off their 20th anniversary of Croc School, they will be holding a huge benefit and auction on April 24 at the St. Augustine Alligator Farm.

All CrocFest proceeds will go to a project in Timor Leste concerning human-crocodile conflict issues involving the saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus). More details to follow but this will be the first time CrocFest has raised money for a project associated with Salties!

Get all of the details atwww.facebook.com/crocfests or www.crocfest.org.

The 3rd IguanaFest has been postponed until next year. The new IguanaLand wlll welcome all iguana fans in 2021! Join the group below for updates.

IguanaFest Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/135371496972792
Donate to the USARK Legal Defense Fund
Information for making donations online and via check/money order can be found at www.usark.org/reptile-defense-fund-2/. You can make one-time, weekly, monthly or annual donations. You can also include a message that will be posted on the Legal Defense Fund Donor Wall at www.usark.org/usark-announcement/reptile-defense-donor-wall/ for all to see. You can even choose to make your donation or donation amount anonymous. Thanks for your support as we constantly battle legislation against responsible reptile and amphibian keeping. USARK is not possible without your donations.
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.
Reptile Shows and Related Events

Visit our show page at www.usark.org/list-of-reptile-shows.

Please note that our website is still undergoing work to resolve several issues. Thanks for your understanding and support!
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