Stop Virginia Reptile Ban!

[USARK.Jonathan.Brady]

Stop Virginia Reptile Ban!
Two companion bills have been introduced into the Virginia General Assembly that would BAN the ownership of countless reptiles under proposed Dangerous Animal Legislation. On January 11, 2012 Senator Louise Lucas introduced SB477 Dangerous Wild Animals into the VA Senate. On January 20, 2012 Delegate Christopher Peace introduced a companion bill, HB1242, into the VA House of Delegates. Although the titles of the bills match, the text does not. HB1242 would seek to outlaw ALL of Boa, Python and Eunectes. Both bills are standard bill templates written by the Animal Rights Industry. As such, both bills are poorly written by those who have little understanding of the natural history or captive husbandry of these animals. They are designed to be as broad and restrictive as possible, without any regard for the actual people they affect, nor the welfare of the animals they would displace.

Although there is a moderate occupational risk in working with certain reptiles, historically and statistically there is virtually zero public safety risk. Working with traditional livestock and pets presents far more risk than working with reptiles. 35 people per year are killed by dogs in the US. The efforts by the Animal Rights Industry to exaggerate risk posed from captive reptiles, and sensationalize it through the media is reprehensible and irresponsible. No one outside of the keepers facility has ever been killed by a captive reptile. There is only one death in the last 50 years in the state of VA from a captive reptile; and that was in the context of occupational hazard within the keepers facility.

Both SB477 and HB1242 have been assigned to committee. SB477 to the Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources, and HB1242 to the Committee on Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources. USARK members have been lobbying door to door at the Virginia Statehouse. HSUS Lobbyists have been observed doing the same. Get involved TODAY!

***SB477 and HB1242 would completely decimate the responsible and legitimate reptile industry in VA destroying hundreds of small businesses and families, along with thousands of jobs.

The reptile industry in Virginia represents approximately $25 million in annual trade, thousands of jobs and upwards of 100,000 animals. USARK OPPOSES HB1242 and SB477. They are poorly written and demonstrate what poor information the bill's sponsors received from proponents and staff. USARK asks that ALL reptiles be removed from HB1242 and SB477.
Make sure you send both letters below!

1) Click here to send letter opposing HB1242: http://usark.org/campaign.php?id=30

Click here to read HB1242: http://www.usark.org/uploads/VA%20HB1242.pdf

2) Click here to send letter opposing SB477: http://usark.org/campaign.php?id=29

Click here to read SB477: http://www.usark.org/uploads/VA%20SB477.pdf

[snake lab]

So im still fuzzy on this as i have heard and read so many different sides. Are they trying to ban all pythons? I heard everything but gtp, balls and angolans. What is the time table on these proposed bans? Im doing the nova expo feb 18th and would be happy to pass out anything you need

[KingObeat]

Just sent my letters.

[Don]

Just came back from the General Assembly building where about thirty of us met with as many Senators or their aids on the AG committee as we could. From what we were told, the sponsor of the bill has decided to table it until next year. So, the fight is not over, just delayed. Also, we were told that the Committee Chair could call the bill forward and take a vote. If that happens, it will be next week. If SB477 shows up on the AG docket, we will need to have as many people there as we can muster.

HSUS was there and their meetings followed us on a couple of meetings. So, there was some support for the bills.

[Don]

So im still fuzzy on this as i have heard and read so many different sides. Are they trying to ban all pythons? I heard everything but gtp, balls and angolans. What is the time table on these proposed bans? Im doing the nova expo feb 18th and would be happy to pass out anything you need

Here is the bill: http://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp...477&Submit2=Go

It isn't a matter of handing out stuff, but showing up if you can. Being there in person is viewed as the best lobbying, followed by handwritten letters, then phone calls, then emails and form letters.

[babyknees]

Need some clarification...

Just came back from the General Assembly building where about thirty of us met with as many Senators or their aids on the AG committee as we could. From what we were told, the sponsor of the bill has decided to table it until next year. So, the fight is not over, just delayed.

Is this about SB 477?

Also, we were told that the Committee Chair could call the bill forward and take a vote. If that happens, it will be next week. If SB477 shows up on the AG docket, we will need to have as many people there as we can muster.

So despite being tabled it could still be called to vote? If they vote does that mean it could pass?

[Don]

Yes, this is about SB477

If they vote, it could come out of committee (Agricultural, Conservation and Natural Resources Committee) to the floor to be voted on by the Senate as a whole. So, if they decide to vote, it is a committee endorsement and still has a long way to go before becoming law. It is OK that it was tabled, but it would have been better to be killed in committee.

We still need to keep an eye on it. And, if it gets on the docket, we will need to have as many people show up to oppose as we can muster. HSUS is putting effort into it. We need to do our part.

[bloodpythons45]

the only way police could get a hold on my blood python is by prying it from my dead fingers

[snake lab]

Ill see what i can do about drummin up some support and getting some people together to go down. Keep us posted.

[babyknees]

Yes, this is about SB477

If they vote, it could come out of committee (Agricultural, Conservation and Natural Resources Committee) to the floor to be voted on by the Senate as a whole. So, if they decide to vote, it is a committee endorsement and still has a long way to go before becoming law. It is OK that it was tabled, but it would have been better to be killed in committee.

We still need to keep an eye on it. And, if it gets on the docket, we will need to have as many people show up to oppose as we can muster. HSUS is putting effort into it. We need to do our part.

When will we know if it's on the docket?