Exotic Animal ban in the United States(HR669)

[Adam_Wysocki]

It helps if you actually do your own research and READ the proposed bill...as I did.

I believe there are a few preconceived notions already in circulation here.

This bill actually allows the Secretary of the Interior to create a list of approved and prohibited species to enter and circulate within the U.S. There are roughly 11 guidelines, however the one of most importance, related to BP's and other already "commonly" owned exotic animals is Section 4 paragraph (b) subtext (1) part (B) "may be harmful to the United States’ economy, the environment, or other animal species’ or human health, but already are so widespread in the United States that it is clear to the Secretary that any import prohibitions or restrictions would have no practical utility for the United States."

The most important part of this line "but already are so widespread in the United States that it is clear to the Secretary that any import prohibitions or restrictions would have no practical utility for the United States." Not to mention the first portion about causing harm to the economy... that is if restricted, as someone stated above, BP's and commonly traded species would cause serious damage to the already stressed economy.

Of course the list would STILL be subject to the whims of the Secretary of Interior and that is where the hidden danger is.

to actually read the proposal, go to http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill...?bill=h111-669

The complete vagueness of this bill is what makes it so extremely dangerous to the entire pet industry (professional breeders, amateur breeders, hobbyists, and pet owners ... as well all of the stores, dry good manufacturers, and businesses that supply them). The way the bill is currently written, it puts the definition of what "already are so widespread in the United States that it is clear to the Secretary that any import prohibitions or restrictions would have no practical utility for the United States" is left entirely in the hands of an appointed/hired (not elected) body of government that is constantly the subject of lobbying by animal rights groups that want to put an end to ALL pet ownership.

The bill also by default assumes that every non-native species (with the exception of the small list exempted by the bill) is not approved and that the already under staffed and financially strapped Fish and Wildlife service has 36 months to evaluate thousands upon thousands of species to see if they each meet the criteria to be placed on the approved list. The evaluation process that is required normally takes 4 years for each species. At the end of the 36 months prescribed in the bill, any species not evaluated and placed on the approved list is by default not approved, which means no import, export, transport across state lines, breeding, and possibly in some cases possession.

Whether you believe the bill is likely to pass or not, whether you agree that the bill will have an impact on you personally or not, bills like this will not stop. The animal rights groups are well funded, well organized, and determined to end all pet ownership one way or another. Stand up for your rights NOW and EVERY TIME one of these ridiculous pieces of legislation come up. Each of us have a voice and all together we can protect ourselves now and in the future.

To the OP ... the hearing on the 23rd is a hearing in the House Committee on Natural Resources Subcommittee on Insular Affairs, Oceans & Wildlife. It is not an up or down vote on the house floor, only a fact finding hearing to see if the bill merits the consideration on the full committee. That said, LETS NOT LET THIS BILL GET ANY FURTHER.

Keep an eye out for www.nohr669.com this week for information about what you can do to have a direct impact on stopping H.R. 669 dead in it's tracks!

-adam