PIJAC on fox news today (video)

[Adam_Wysocki]

Also, I think that any species on "the list" can only be grandfathered if you have proof that you got it before Jan. 08. If you don't then oh well.

There is no provision for currently owned animals in either S 373 or HR 2811. The proposed legislation seeks to modify the Lacey Act which has never made a single provision for "grandfathering" in it's 99 year history.

As things stand today, burmese pythons and african rock pythons will be illegal to import and transport across state lines if what is currently being proposed becomes law ... also, if you give or sell your burmese python to a local friend that then takes the snake across state lines, you could be charged with a violation of federal smuggling laws punishable by up to 10 years in jail and/or a $10,000 fine.

USARK is working extremely hard to have HR 2811 amended even further to allow the captive bred trade in these snakes to continue, but they're being met with heavy opposition from the Humane Society of the United States, The Nature Conservancy, and Defenders of Wildlife. They will also have S 373 to contend with in the weeks ahead.

Even if you don't keep burmese pythons or african rock pythons, it's still very important for ALL pet owners to stand up against HR 2811 and S 373 ... For the first time in 99 years, Congress is about to declare species that have been kept in the pet trade for decades "injurious" and effectively put an end to those species as pets (probably forever). They are about to pass these laws without hearing one word of scientific testimony, without one shred of evidence presented either for or against, and without listening to any alternative solutions to the problems they think they are trying to solve. Once they do this, the only question left will be which species will they go after next ... it will only be a matter of time.

Join USARK ... or join PIJAC ... or, if you can, join both ... donate $10, donate $1, heck donate $.50 ... anything will help ... don't just sit there and believe that someone is taking care of it and it's not your problem ... it is your problem too and we can't do it without your help!

I hope this info helps and sorry for being so preachy.

-adam