Why?

[mainbutter]

Maybe they will respond to you!

I wrote them an email voicing my concerns and reiterating my personal stances on reptile legislation:

It has been rumored among the reptile keeper community that USARK is being proactive and promoting state-level legislation regulating venomous reptiles and large constrictors in states where no such legislation currently exists.

I feel that, as a reptile keeper who supports USARK in just about all their efforts, I need to bring my concerns (echoed and agreed upon by many in the community) to your attention.

I will never support any federal-level reptile legislation whatsoever.

I will never support any legislation that restricts ownership of reptiles based on the idea of dangers they pose to the public. There is no question that venomous reptiles and large constrictors are inherently dangerous, but even in states with a complete lack of dangerous reptile legislation, there is statistically ZERO risk to the public. If you were to measure the danger of these animals by the history of injuries and deaths, all danger is aimed directly at the keepers, and to a lesser degree those who reside in their household.

I will never support any legislation that restricts the rights of individuals to put themselves at risk. I don't want the government protecting me from myself, that's my choice if I wish to engage in dangerous activities.

I will never support an outright ban on keeping particular species.

I will never support any organization that supports any legislation that falls into the above categories.

I hope that USARK's positions on reptile legislation allows me to continue supporting your organization.

I got a prompt response, inviting me to cross post this response as well!

Peter,

We agree with you completely. I think much of your concern is based on misunderstanding. There are some in the community that have very little comprehension of what is going on around them politically and legislatively. They have been sleeping blissfully while our rights to own reptiles have disappeared. Finally we have a voice and are able to mold our own future instead of having it dictated to us. The same ones who are abusively critical of our efforts are the same ones who did nothing before. Now things are happening because of all the publicity our community has gotten this year. State and Federal government is taking action. Some people are getting scared and blaming USARK for what government and Animal Rights orgs are doing. All we have done is provide a framework for our survival. Nothing that we have proposed would take away a reponsible keepers ability to keep what they want. In fact what we have proposed would secure your ability to keep the herps you want into the indefinate future... including all the big 5, venomous and crocodilians. NO Permits, No FEES, NO Registration, No Microchipping.... Challenge those that are pushing misinformation to show you how anything we have done will stop anyone from keeping the reptiles of their choice. Then bring their answers back to me. I guarantee their accusations won't hold water in the light of day. Feel free to cross post.

Thank you for your support,
Andrew