Update on hearing on hr2811

[dr del]

Hi,

Do these things normally move so swiftly?

It seems like we got almost no warning of this one compared to the last one.

I do think if they manage to ban the import or trading of one species they will use it as a lever to go after more.

I just feel when someone is making outrageous and unfair demands then compromise is not what they deserve. At that point you only validate their stance and move yourself into closer proximity to outrageous behaviour.

Someone somewhere is paying an awful lot of money to push this particular agenda - I would much rather find them and stop them than rush about trying to deal with the fires once they are started with less and less warning each time.

How about a campaign of education to every member of the government about the topics, votes and numbers involved.

Maybe we could get awareness to the level where the persons pushing this claptrap can't get enough support to propose these bills in the first place.


dr del

[Vypyrz]

I seriuosly doubted the fact that the government would ban all pythons. I CAN see them baning big snakes. You just have to look at the fear level of an average person and a big snake. I hope that it works out for the better for the big snake owners though.

I'm sorry but any ban will be the snowball that starts the avalanche. What happens once they ban the Big 4? They start looking to target #5 (RTB's)...

[rabernet]

To add to this, I also just got off the phone with Adam and he said that from 8:30 until 10:00 a.m. people need to CALL, CALL, CALL and this time your message needs to be:

I would like to ask that expert testimony is heard before this is taken to a vote.

Everyone needs to flood the phone lines tomorrow morning with this message. This is NOT going before a sub-committee like HR669 did, it's going straight to a vote, and some of the people Adam talked to said that they were not reptile experts, and didn't feel comfortable voting without hearing some expert testimony first. So we need to drill that message home!

[rabernet]

The Full Committee meeting has been scheduled for Wednesday July 29th (tomorrow). Just got the word. That's not official but it comes from a good source.

You are correct - at 10:00 a.m.

[twistedtails]

I'm sorry but any ban will be the snowball that starts the avalanche. What happens once they ban the Big 4? They start looking to target #5 (RTB's)...

I never said that I was supportive of the ban. All I said is look at the fear level of an average person and big snakes. You have to accept the fact that these are real fears of real people. Another thing that you have to underatand is that it takes more than banning one type of snake to ban other types also down the road. Boas have not proved to be dangerous or invasive. These bill makers have a strong leg to stand on when it comes to banning the burmese and rock pythons. These snakes have proved that are capable of harming people. I would like to say that these people that are being hurt are bad keepers and put themselves at danger, but, lets face it look at the poor little girl that payed for her dad's mistakes. This bill is being set forth to protect innocent people like her. Do I support it? No!!! I think the legit answer would be to screen a little further into whole is allowed to care for these animals, and also make routine inspections of thier enclosures, and, the living situatutions of the keepers. If a person proves to not take care of thier house and home they should not be able to keep big snakes. Kinda like a Child Protective Services for big snakes. I know it sounds like a lot of work, but through a few peoples neglegence, we shall pay. That is the story of America.

[2kdime]

Will be calling for sure!

Do we just need to call the members on the list that USARK sent out?

And 8:30 am to 10:00 am for which time zone? Im assuming EST?

To add to this, I also just got off the phone with Adam and he said that from 8:30 until 10:00 a.m. people need to CALL, CALL, CALL and this time your message needs to be:

I would like to ask that expert testimony is heard before this is taken to a vote.

Everyone needs to flood the phone lines tomorrow morning with this message. This is NOT going before a sub-committee like HR669 did, it's going straight to a vote, and some of the people Adam talked to said that they were not reptile experts, and didn't feel comfortable voting without hearing some expert testimony first. So we need to drill that message home!

[twistedtails]

To add to this, I also just got off the phone with Adam and he said that from 8:30 until 10:00 a.m. people need to CALL, CALL, CALL and this time your message needs to be:

I would like to ask that expert testimony is heard before this is taken to a vote.

Everyone needs to flood the phone lines tomorrow morning with this message. This is NOT going before a sub-committee like HR669 did, it's going straight to a vote, and some of the people Adam talked to said that they were not reptile experts, and didn't feel comfortable voting without hearing some expert testimony first. So we need to drill that message home!

Another good sign that those who don't feel comfortable not knowing what they are voting on, will not take rights from us. I know this subject is close to home guys. Remember how many bills go before the house daily that are shot down.

[rabernet]

Will be calling for sure!

Do we just need to call the members on the list that USARK sent out?

And 8:30 am to 10:00 am for which time zone? Im assuming EST?

Yes - same list and EST.

[rabernet]

PIJAC Pet Alert:

During the House Judiciary Subcommittee Markup Session this afternoon, NO AMENDMENTS were offered. Only a few members spoke. One felt that they did not have sufficient knowledge to formulate appropriate amendments and requested testimony from reptile experts so they would be able to educate themselves to make an informed and proper decision. The Chair mentioned that Representative Rooney would submit a proposed amendment during the Full Judiciary Committee Markup Session tomorrow, July 29. The proposal would limit the ban to Burmese and African Rock Pythons. There is no indication that exceptions for interstate movement of animals already possessed in the United States would be permitted.

The full Judiciary Committee will hold a Markup Session tomorrow July 29 at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Standard Time. You can watch it on the Internet by going to http://judiciary.house.gov/hearings/calendar.html and clicking on "Watch Video Webcast" for July 29 under "FULL COMMITTEE."

IT IS IMPORTANT for concerned pet owners from all around the country to contact members of the FULL COMMITTEE via telephone, Fax and email to encourage them to seek expert input. Complete contact information for the full House Judiciary Committee can be found by viewing page 3 of PIJAC's July 27 PetAlert.

To contact your own Representative, and to view helpful talking points, enter your Zip Code in the 'Call Now' box or 'Take Action' link and tell your Representative to convey your concerns to their colleagues on the Judiciary Committee!

BEWARE that this sets a dangerous precedent by simply adding controversial species to the Lacey Act without hearings and better understanding of the issues. While today it might be your Burmese Python, tomorrow it might be your pet bird, turtle or fish due to a perceived "danger!"

http://capwiz.com/pijac/callalert/in...ertid=13804911

[redpython]

there are documented reticulated python deaths. but this should be a NON ISSUE as accidents happen.