RED ALERT: Stop Federal Python BAN!

[Skiploder]

Skiploder, what else can we do now then? I want to help but I'm not sure how--should I write a letter to Rhode Island or Virginia? Not sure what to do, but I certainly don't want to waste time--we have none, it seems.
Please let me know and consider it done.

You know Shellie, it's funny that there are several impending State bans on snakes and you have to look REAL hard and do some digging to find out who to contact in terms of organizing opposition.

Both the Virginia and Rhode Island legislation is in it's earliest stages - so many of the organizations are waiting to see how the support and opposition in the State Legislatures pans out.

However, both USARK and PIJAC are fighting, so the easiest thing to do is to donate to one or both groups.

The senate committee members for the RI Legislation are:

David Bates
Daniel Da Ponte
MaryEllen Goodwin
Nicholas Kettle
Michael MacCaffrey
Susan Sosnowski
Bill Walaska

Their e-mail addresses and mailing addresses are easy to find.

The committee member for Virginia are:

Hanger
Watkins
Puckett
Ruff
Blevins
Obenshain
McEachin
Petersen
Northam
Stuart
Marsden
Stanley
Black
Miller
Ebbin

E-mails are great for people who live out of state - as the Aides can't toss them aside as not "mattering", they most often assume you are a resident.

Use a form e-mail which should politely and respectfully mention:

(1) Point out that none of the listed animals could become invasive to (insert state here). Steer them to this article:

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases...0812213816.htm

(2) State your concern about what happens to current owners of these species. Are they expected to get rid of these animals? Or will there be a “grandfather” clause for current owners to ensure unintended consequences of such a ban?

(3) That by imposing a complete ban will, they will drive the trade of these species underground, further taxing the coffers and resources of law enforcement and fish and wildlife enforcement agencies, and criminalizing previously law abiding and tax paying citizens.

(4) That a full study needs to be done on the financial impacts of such a ban. Politely point out that while neither Rhode Island or Virginia is at no risk for an invasive issue, there WILL be a hit to the economy as the result of this legislation. As a citizen and a voter you want to know the magnitude of that impact.

Again, Shellie, make a generic form copy of this e-mail on Word to either print out if needed or to use for other states.

I maintain a couple of e-mail addresses, my wife and my kids have them also, I send the e-mails out from all of them.

Try to hook up with members from herp societies and clubs in those affected states:

http://www.virginiaherpetologicalsoc...inks/links.htm

.......and see what they are doing and how you can help.

Lastly, understand the process. These bills have to go through several committees and often several readings and amendments before they are finally voted on. There are long periods of inaction, so it is important that you realize that until the bills are defeated, they haven't gone away.