Federal Python BAN

[JandDReptiles]

It will show that there is a large enough voice to have them send it back for further review, but they can still pass it even with all the signatures... But we need to give it all we got!! SIGN, and SHARE


Jeremy T.
J and D Reptiles
www.janddreptiles.com

[Skiploder]

It will show that there is a large enough voice to have them send it back for further review, but they can still pass it even with all the signatures... But we need to give it all we got!! SIGN, and SHARE


Jeremy T.
J and D Reptiles
www.janddreptiles.com

First, as far as the additions to the Lacey Act - there is nothing to "pass". How are people so turned around on this subject? Have any of you taken the time to read as to what the USFWS did or how they did it?

Second, do you think 25,000 signatures is significant?

I call it pathetic. If the Reptile Nation has a claimed 7.3 Million reptile keepers, all 25,000 signatures shows is that you got a whopping 0.003% to sign a worthless petition.

It also shows weakness. Don't think that people who wish to impose actual legislation banning reptiles state by state will note such a small turnout.

The amendments to the Lacey Act have to be fought in court. You people need to stop thinking that there is going to be a "vote" on this thing. It's a waste of time and energy. If you want to fight, fight intelligently and FOCUS your efforts on actions that are going to amount to more than a futile and laughable gesture.

[kitedemon]

I am a Canadian and I have watched the issues quite closely. I cannot comment of the American government exactly but what Skip has mentioned is true for Canada and likely the USA too. It is done, it is time for legal challenge where both sides MUST be heard and the methods used to by pass the law during the process will be exposed and answered for. The time for petitions is past it is time to unite and ban together and bluntly open the wallets to support a legal challenge has arrived.

[DemmBalls]

First, as far as the additions to the Lacey Act - there is nothing to "pass". How are people so turned around on this subject? Have any of you taken the time to read as to what the USFWS did or how they did it?

Second, do you think 25,000 signatures is significant?

I call it pathetic. If the Reptile Nation has a claimed 7.3 Million reptile keepers, all 25,000 signatures shows is that you got a whopping 0.003% to sign a worthless petition.

It also shows weakness. Don't think that people who wish to impose actual legislation banning reptiles state by state will note such a small turnout.

The amendments to the Lacey Act have to be fought in court. You people need to stop thinking that there is going to be a "vote" on this thing. It's a waste of time and energy. If you want to fight, fight intelligently and FOCUS your efforts on actions that are going to amount to more than a futile and laughable gesture.

I'm not at all being sarcastic when I ask this...Do you have any advise or thoughts on what we can do to help overturn this? Aside from supporting USARK. I want to do everything I can to assist in this fight.

[Skiploder]

I'm not at all being sarcastic when I ask this...Do you have any advise or thoughts on what we can do to help overturn this? Aside from supporting USARK. I want to do everything I can to assist in this fight.

Focus on the state bans like Virginia. Those state bans are real killers. Unlike the USFWS action, They can be fought with massive letter writing campaigns.

With regards to the USFWS additions, support the upcoming Federal Lawsuit that will be required to debunk/discredit the data that led to the additions to the Lacey Act. As Alex pointed out, the time for petitions is past. The focus needs to be on the lawsuit.

People also need to be more aware what is happening state by state. Stop waiting to hear about this stuff on a forum.

[hurricaNe]

I am a Canadian and I have watched the issues quite closely. I cannot comment of the American government exactly but what Skip has mentioned is true for Canada and likely the USA too. It is done, it is time for legal challenge where both sides MUST be heard and the methods used to by pass the law during the process will be exposed and answered for. The time for petitions is past it is time to unite and ban together and bluntly open the wallets to support a legal challenge has arrived.

I agree as well.

[WingedWolfPsion]

Question:
Is there any use in someone who is NOT from Virginia writing in to oppose a Virginia ban?

(Nebraska had a restrictive bill come up here, but thanks to the concerted efforts of the Nebraska Herp Society and some other interests, we won, and it did not pass).

My concern is that getting a bunch of letters from non-residents would be as likely to do more harm than good, but I don't know for certain how that is viewed, which is why I am asking.

[CapeFearConstrictors]

I'm not at all being sarcastic when I ask this...Do you have any advise or thoughts on what we can do to help overturn this? Aside from supporting USARK. I want to do everything I can to assist in this fight.

In my opinion, changing the public's perceptions of reptiles is one of the most important things we can do.

I've heard a lot of people say they don't tell their neighbors about their reptiles, that they don't want people to know what they have. I think that's a bad way to go about it.

Tell everyone you meet about how much you love reptiles, about how cool they are and how rewarding they can be. Dispel any misconceptions your friends and family might have about them. Show them your animals, and try to get them to hold or interact with them.

The general public still think snakes are "icky." There are a lot of misconceptions regarding what they can do (no, a ball python can't and won't even try to eat my baby). The more educated the general public is about them, the less likely they are to support this kind of thing.

So, my recommendation is to donate as much as you can to USARK and try to reach as many people as you can about how great and rewarding your reptiles are.

I know you weren't directing your question at me, but I feel this is important.

[GR8DANE]

i dont understand how this ban holds any weight what-so-ever, if i recall correctly, isnt it written in the constitution that congress shall pass NO law that would deprive anyone of LIFE, LIBERTY, or PROPERTY. this "ban" should be treated as void on its face as it is in violation of the constitution!!!

[Skiploder]

i dont understand how this ban holds any weight what-so-ever, if i recall correctly, isnt it written in the constitution that congress shall pass NO law that would deprive anyone of LIFE, LIBERTY, or PROPERTY. this "ban" should be treated as void on its face as it is in violation of the constitution!!!

Congress didn't pass any law.

Even the petition gets it wrong - referring to some "law" being passed. I cringe every time I look at it.

I'm going to explain this REAL slow so all of you can grasp this:

This is NOT a bill.

It is a rule amendment measure that was enacted by the USFWS.

Therefore is cannot be challenged like legislation can. Congress had no part in this - get that through your heads. It was not submitted as legislation and voted on.

The only way this can be reversed (outside of the USFWS doing it on their own) is by filing a Federal Lawsuit against the USFWS challenging the data that led to their amendment.

Understand that the USFW has the ability to either create or amend some existing rules/laws without any input from either the congress or the President.

The only way to reverse such an amended rule is to file a Federal Law Suit challenging the quality of the information/evidence that led to their decsion.

Period.

Lastly, this is not a ban on ownership. It is a ban on importation and interstate transport of the four affected species.

If I were a member of PETA or HSUS I would be laughing my A$$ off at all the misinformation and mis-directed energies being thrown around by the Reptile Nation. USAR has clearly outlined what's next, they have clearly a baldly stated that petitions are worthless and they have clearly discussed what this rule amendment means.

Some of you need to immediately cease spreading BS info and concentrate your energy on actual actions that will be effective.