I was asked by another member for some talking points when writing a letter it USFW about the proposed ban that will destroy our hobby.
Keep in mind that Govt will not be moved by our collective passion for reptiles. Our only hope is a more reasoned approach that appeals to the issues with wich Govt is typically concerned. Thjat said here are some ideas:
I think one problem people have is that they think that the Govt, actually cares about their rights, wich it clearly does not. Too many people write letters that emphasise how much they "love their burms" , these comments will fall on deaf ears.
I would suggest stressing the economic impact and total lack of ecological impact.
Point out that to impliment any new regulations would cost money, how do they plan to pay for the enforcement? This arguement has sunk several proposed bans around the country, including im my state of Washington. In the end this single issue, and not the pleadings of snake owners saved us at the state and local level.
I would point out that if they are really concerned about feral boids that this legislation could have the exact opposite effect they are looking for. If you have tens of thousands of breeders around the country who can no longer sell their animals , it seems likley that some may release them into the wild, what is someone supposed to do with 500 ball pythons that they can no longer sell. Some may release them out of spite , in retaliation for the ban.
I would also frame the issue as a "states rights" issue. The problem with feral boids only effects the extreme southern portion of a single state, so why is this a federal issue, it seems to me that this is something that the state of Florida should resolve fore iteself.
The fact is that this is the only place in the US where this is even possible. This combined witht he fact that every state in the country already has laws on the books that make it illeagal to release any animal into the wild, make this new law unesessary. Simple enforcement of existing laws is whats needed
I would implore everyone to actually send in a letter, and do it now.
Nick
