Python Ban and Economic Impact

[snake lab]

I have to laugh every time I read about the Snake "Black Market."

Who is going to raise up a collection of snakes, breed them, incubate them, and then look for buyers on a "Black Market?"
Where are they going to purchase their feeders and supplies, and what Vet are they going to take their illegal animals to when they need medical attention?

If one customer gets caught, and turns in the breeder in exchange for a plea bargain, or no charges to themselves, the authorities will have probable cause to investigate, and make a raid on the breeder.
If you have 20 animals in your collection, that is 20 separate State and Federal felony charges of possession, with the intent to breed and sell, plus the initial sale charge that started it all.

The animals will be euthanized, while snake racks, incubators, and other supplies will be taken and charged as paraphernalia.

I would say if you don't currently run a Marijuana grow house, Meth Lab, Black Market Adoption Agency, or good ole' fashion Whore House, you are probably not going to run a "Black Market" snake breeding facility, as it will probably carry similar consequences.

You must be under the assumption that the united states is the only market for snakes. You also must be under the assumption that a breeder cant take care of a sick snake without a vet. Plus the ban doesnt stop ownership so you can still take them to the vet. They will NOT ban ownership for the same reason we are in this mess. The fear of releasing animals. Think about it for a second. This is all about control. This has been brewing for alot longer then a couple years. There was talks 15 years ago about trying to control big snakes. The only reason they are able to do it now is because of the florida issue in the glades. And like i said in another post this is our industry as reptile owners, breeders, enthusiasts therefore we need to take responsibillity for thos in our industry that released animals and the ones that didnt take precautions when the hurricane was coming to protect their facilities. These pythons didnt crawl to the glades on their own. Like it or hate it the facts are the facts. We need to take responsibillity. Invasive species is a serious threat and one that wildlife organizations dont take lying down. The snakehead for example was a result of releasing into the wild and now they can not be controlled. We catch em here in the potomac with ease.