Bill Nelson's response to my most recent S373 email

[Russ Lawson]

Figured I'd share this. Looks like pre-fabricated response to me, but it's one of the more refined ones I've seen. From his reply, his entire stance seems based on the content of the infamous USGS python report, and his apparent ignorance of just how devastating the current version of this bill would be to the pet trade. I will write back to him addressing the points he tried to make to see if I can get at least somewhere with the guy.

Dear Mr. Lawson:

Thank you for writing me about S. 373, a bill I introduced that would ban the importation and trade between States of the Burmese python.

Burmese pythons often are released into the wild when their owners can no longer care for them. Though not native to south Florida, Burmese pythons are thriving in the Everglades National Park, threatening natural species, many of which are endangered, and posing the risk of upsetting the delicate ecosystem of the region. We have invested many years and billions of dollars in an effort to restore the Everglades to its natural balance, and non-native species like Burmese pythons threaten to undo that work.

I understand your concern that my bill would punish responsible python owners. My bill will not take away existing pythons from owners. The State of Florida has made progress recently in balancing the needs of pet owners and the concerns for the environment by requiring micro-chipping and permits for reptiles of concern, including the Burmese python. My bill would serve as a Federal companion to help stop the expanding population of large constrictor snakes in the wild.

During a committee review of S. 373, the bill was amended to cover nine constrictor species deemed high or medium risk by a recent U.S. Geological Service report. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) recently announced that they will propose to list the nine constrictor snakes that my bill names as "injurious wildlife" under the Lacey Act, which would ban the importation and interstate commerce of the snakes.

I appreciate your taking the time to write me with your views on this important matter. Please do not hesitate to contact me in the future.

Sincerely,
Senator Bill Nelson

P.S. From time to time, I compile electronic news briefs highlighting key issues and hot topics of particular importance to Floridians. If you'd like to receive these e-briefs, visit my Web site and sign up for them at http://billnelson.senate.gov/news/ebriefs.cfm

[BuckeyeBalls]

Dear Mr. LePerson:

Thank you for writing me about S. 373, a bill I introduced that would ban the importation and trade between States of the Burmese python.

Burmese pythons often are released into the wild when their owners can no longer care for them. Though not native to south Florida, Burmese pythons are thriving in the Everglades National Park, threatening natural species, many of which are endangered, and posing the risk of upsetting the delicate ecosystem of the region. We have invested many years and billions of dollars in an effort to restore the Everglades to its natural balance, and non-native species like Burmese pythons threaten to undo that work.

I understand your concern that my bill would punish responsible python owners. My bill will not take away existing pythons from owners. The State of Florida has made progress recently in balancing the needs of pet owners and the concerns for the environment by requiring micro-chipping and permits for reptiles of concern, including the Burmese python. My bill would serve as a Federal companion to help stop the expanding population of large constrictor snakes in the wild.

During a committee review of S. 373, the bill was amended to cover nine constrictor species deemed high or medium risk by a recent U.S. Geological Service report. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) recently announced that they will propose to list the nine constrictor snakes that my bill names as "injurious wildlife" under the Lacey Act, which would ban the importation and interstate commerce of the snakes.

I appreciate your taking the time to write me with your views on this important matter. Please do not hesitate to contact me in the future.

Sincerely,
Senator Bill Nelson

Quote from redtailboas.com



He got the same exact response you did

[anatess]

Yes, it IS a canned response. There is nothing wrong with that. It is a normal thing to do in any business/organization.

BUT... you can write back and rebut that response. I would make specific mention to this line:

"My bill will not take away existing pythons from owners. The State of Florida has made progress recently in balancing the needs of pet owners and the concerns for the environment by requiring micro-chipping and permits for reptiles of concern, including the Burmese python."

Burmese Python is BANNED in Florida since early this year. Therefore, microchipping and license are only for EXISTING owners. Potential NEW owners cannot get a burmese python anymore. So, I would specifically mention that in your response to state that THAT is still tantamount to PUNISHING responsible pet owners.

[The Hedgehog]

My real issue with the ban is that the amount of actual Pythons out in the Everglades is MINIMAL. Not to mention they aren't doing the harm that housing and development are doing right now. It's a real shame to see this issue blown way out of proportion. It makes me quite sad to be honest.

[g00dluckchuck]

I got the same response.

And you're right.

If you don't already have a burm, you're out of luck.