New ALERT + shirt vote & SALE

[Bogertophis]

ALERT: Rhode Island Tegu BanThe Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) has proposed changes to regulations on the Importation and Possession of Wild Animals (250-RICR-40-05-3). The proposal will ban two tegu genera (Salvator and Tupinamibis, with other genera already banned). This new ban would include Argentine Black-and-white tegus, Blue tegus, Red tegus, and Colombian Gold tegus...The comment deadline is May 20, 2026. Email comments to David Kalb at: david.kalb@dem.ri.govPublic meeting: 5:30 P.M. on May 12, 2026, at the DFW Outdoor Education Office, 1B Camp E-Hun-Tee Place, Exeter, RI, 02822 Sample letter and more at https://usark.org/26ri/. ALERT: Pennington County, SDUPDATE: 4/21/26: The Commissioners voted not to pass the broad ban on "exotic" and undomesticated animals. Thank you to all local residents and experts who relayed their opposition and education on this matter. Pennington County in South Dakota has proposed a ban on all non-domesticated animals. This would ban most species kept as pets, including aquarium fish, parrots, reptiles, amphibians, hedgehogs, and more. The ordinance also specifically bans any “nondomestic animal.” While this extreme ban may not be the intent, the language used bans most animals. This has a final vote on April 21, so local residents need to contact officials immediately and, if possible, attend the meeting. Get more details and email information at https://usark.org/26sd/. VOTE for our next shirt design Head to our Facebook and Instagram pages to VOTE NOW! Four winners will also get FREE SWAG BUNDLES! Voting ends on May 8 @ 9:00 EST. Full details on our social media posts. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UnitedStatesAssociationOfReptileKeepers Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/usark_official/ SPRING CLEANING SHIRT SALE! We are clearing out our leopard tortoise & bearded dragon shirts with FREE swag and FREE shipping! ONLY $15 - $17.50. Buy yours atwww.USARK.org/shop. Other Alerts and News Always posted and updated athttps://usark.org/. Find A Vet Need a good herp veterinarian? The Association of Reptilian and Amphibian Veterinarians (ARAV) can help. ARAV provides a free Find-A-Vet service at http://arav.site-ym.com/search/custom.asp?id=3661.

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[Bogertophis]

Notice that the public push-back on the overly broad ban in Pennington County ND actually worked!

THIS is exactly why we need to stay organized & informed (thank you, USARK!) & be ready to speak up. If you snooze, you can really lose...