There are two factors driving this legislation.Originally Posted by thefifthdentist
The first is money. The Congressmen and women from Florida that are driving HR2811 and S373 are not only attempting to get their hands on the hundreds of millions of dollars allocated for the Everglades restoration project, they have also been promised contributions from the Humane Society of the United States and the Nature Conservancy. Combined, these special interest groups take in over 1.3 billion dollars a year and are the driving force behind the sponsors and co-sponsors of HR2811 and S373. My sources in congress have said that lobbyists from HSUS and the Nature Conservancy have been in the offices Representative Meeks (sponsor of HR2811) and Senator Nelsons (sponsor of S373) offices almost weekly since the beginning of the year.
The second force driving these laws is the belief by these groups (HSUS and the Nature Conservancy) that people shouldn't own ANY exotic animals as pets. There are articles on the HSUS website detailing why they feel that reptiles, birds, many small mammals, and most fish are not suitable for pets and how exotic pet owners are not capable of providing them with their basic needs and proper care. HR2811, S373, & HR669 are all direct attempts to begin to chip away at the rights of exotic pet owners and even more legislation is on it's way.
I have a blog post on the NOHR669.com website that talks a little about how HSUS feels about the ownership of exotic pets. http://nohr669.com/blog/?p=321
You are absolutely correct. In reality, all these laws will do is punish good people that are acting responsibly. The problem is that we need a larger unified voice. Our representatives in Congress don't understand that there are far more good people in this hobby than irresponsible ones. That's why it's important for every exotic pet owner to reach out to their local Congressional Representative and Senator and explain to them and their staff that YOU do things the right way ... that YOU would be hurt by these pieces of legislation both financially and personally ... and that YOU would like their help to stop both HR2811 and S373. Starting next week the House and Senate will both be on summer recess. Most representatives will be home in their district offices. It's a PERFECT time to call and ask for an in person meeting to explain your views. Even if you only meet with staff, word will get to the Congressmen and women right away. They want to hear from you, but right now the only people they are hearing from is the special interest groups. Even if only 10 people that read this actually do something, it will make an difference!
We need to stay vigilant. We need to support organizations like USARK & PIJAC through both membership and any donations that we can afford. And we need to be ready to act when called upon. (I know many have already and that's awesome, but we need MORE!!!). It's already begun, but as time goes on we're really going to have to dig down and ask ourselves how much are we personally willing to do to help ... how far are we willing to go to preserve something that we love.
I'm in all the way ... how about you?
-adam
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