Reptiles Magazine Community / Community Forums / Announcements

Monitor

Gtown39 — Sun, 13 May 2012 20:05:37 GMT

Hi, I have a baby monitor I got on the 9th and it's only ate one cricket since I got it and at first it was active but know it sleeps all day changes spot but still sleep all day an I'm a lil scared something maybe wrong can someone please tell me what to do or if I'm over reacting

Lost snake

Gtown39 — Sat, 12 May 2012 06:10:33 GMT

Hi, I have a baby boa and last nite it got out the tank an I think it want in to the whole in tge floor how could I get it out

PA next!!

Sinkarnate — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 18:50:32 GMT

http://erikanwalsh.wordpress.com/2012/04/11/pennsylvania-house-bill-1398-the-wide-world-of-exotic-animals/

I'm back

amphibian keeper — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 12:19:59 GMT

I am back on the reptile channel now. Hopefully nothing too big happened while I was gone lol.

Score one for the herpers!

zooherper — Sun, 08 Apr 2012 21:23:37 GMT

Read this a few minutes ago. Gov. Tomblin has my vote this November!

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WTW) — A bid to restrict exotic animals in West Virginia is among a half-dozen bills vetoed from the recent regular session.

Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin disapproved the measures by Tuesday's deadline to act on legislation.

The Division of Natural Resources' concerns regarding funding and enforcement prompted the exotic animal veto.

Two other vetoed bills involved fees. One proposed special municipal charges, but was deemed unnecessary because of existing law. The other involved housing development improvement fees for future infrastructure. Tomblin cited pending litigation over such fees.

The governor called for further study when he vetoed a proposal to ease the process for erasing felony convictions.

Technical errors doomed bills targeting graffiti and updating rules for archiving government records.

Tomblin earlier vetoed bills addressing antique autos and the Municipal Pensions Oversight Board.

Gonna be off for a while

amphibian keeper — Sat, 31 Mar 2012 15:32:50 GMT

I am not going to be online for a while.

Going to save reptiles

BeardieBro — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 16:42:43 GMT

Everybody has a voice, but together we can stop the madness behind ridding this very Earth of our loving pets. Who agrees here?

Zooherper!!!!!

BeardieBro — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 17:15:37 GMT

Go to the snake stuff someones snake may have had a seizure, so we kind of need you(as always).

Boots on the Ground Ohio/ SB310 Opponents Hearing

EricRoscoe — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 11:27:28 GMT

A proponents hearing was held yesterday in Columbus, Ohio in the Senate Agriculture, Environment & Natural Resources Committee regardingSB 310. This bill if passed as written would be a de-facto ban on many reptiles as well as many other animals in Ohio. USARK opposes a ban on ANY reptiles. There is no argument that can logicallysupport that reptiles pose any significant public safety risk to the citizens of Ohio or anywhere else. Turn out for the proponents meeting was anemic. One HSUS representative and one ASPCArepresentative testified; along with reps from several Zoo’s.

The time to act is NOW! We must get “Boots on the Ground”! Call in sick towork if you have to! We must generate Calls! We must generate Emails! DO IT NOW!!!

It is imperative that opponents of SB 310 attend the opponents hearing next week in largenumbers. The hearing is tentatively set for Tuesday March 27 at 2pm in the Senate Building. The date could change. We will update on Friday. USARK is helping to facilitate a groundswell grassroots “Boots on the Ground” campaign to get as many Ohio stakeholders to attend the hearing as possible. Please email ohioarlupdate@gmail.com for instructions on where to meet for briefing prior to hearing. AndrewWyatt of USARK will testify. “NO SB310” pins will be distributed to all who attend. This is very important that the Reptile Nation attend this Hearing in Force.

Meanwhile, in the lead up to the Hearing, we need to generate an avalanche of PhoneCalls and Emails. Below are the tools and the contacts you will need to make your voice heard.

Call In Campaign:

Senator Cliff Hite (Chairman)- Phone: (614) 466-8150

Senator Tim Schaffer (Vice Chair)- Phone: (614) 466-5838

Senator Lou Gentile- Phone: (614) 466-6508

Senator Troy Balderson (Sponsor)- Phone: (614) 466-8076

Senator Dave Burke- Phone: (614) 466-8049

Senator Capri Cafaro- Phone: (614) 466-7182

Senator Gayle Manning- Phone: (614) 644-7613

Senator Bob Peterson- Phone: (614) 466-8156

Senator Joe Schiavoni- Phone: (614) 466-8285

Sample script: (Make it your own and tell your story. Keep it brief and polite)

My name is_________. I am an Ohio resident and I would like to respectfully register myopposition to SB 310. I have grave concerns for the negative and unnecessary impact of SB 310. I work with reptiles that pose zero public safety risk and a minimal occupational risk in the state ofOhio; especially when taken in the context of traditional livestock and pets. On average there is less than one death per year in the US because of a captive reptile, compared to 25-30 deaths relatedto dogs, and dozens more due to horses and cattle. It is simply impossible to make a logical argument that ANY reptile poses a serious public safety risk in our state. Reptiles were not even involvedin the situation in Zanesville.

SB 310 is over reaching and prohibitive, and will have a negative impact on me and my family.The trade in high quality captive reptiles in the state of Ohio is approximately $30 million per year. There are tens of thousands of people and hundreds of thousands of animals involved. Morethan 90% of the impact of SB 310 is to the reptile industry; and again, reptiles were not involved with Zanesville and pose virtually zero public safety risk.

Please remove ALL reptiles from SB 310. NO on SB 310.

Thank you.

Email Campaign:

Click here to send email to Senate Committee: http://usark.org/campaign.php?id=37

WE DID IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

amphibian keeper — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 11:21:45 GMT

CHAT HAS REACHED 10000 POSTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

UPDATE: Rhode Island Reptile Ban Tabled

EricRoscoe — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 13:53:29 GMT

S2033 Reptile Ban was pulled from the agenda of the Rhode Island Senate Natural Resources & Agriculture Committee last Wednesday February 15, 2012. USARK was contacted by the BillSponsor and Committee leadership and informed that S2033 would be carried over. S2033 can no longer be considered for this year! USARK wants to congratulate all of the members of the ReptileNation that participated in the grass roots campaign to kill S2033. Although this is a very positive development for Rhode Island, please remember that we must remain vigilant. This couldpossibly come up again next year!. The momentum begun in Virginia, with the decline of State level bills there aimed at shutting down the Reptile Industry, has continued in Rhode Island. It is ourplan at USARK to leverage this momentum in other states like Ohio, Illinois, West Virginia, Indiana & South Carolina. Thank you to ALL who contribute their time, effort and money to support theefforts of USARK and the Reptile Nation!!

Victory in WV...sort of.

zooherper — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 18:36:44 GMT

Well, got this news this morning direct from the DNR director, and here is the press release:

From the Associated Press:

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — Delegates have slowed enforcement of proposed exotic animal restrictions by requiring the Division of Natural Resources to write rules specifying which animals would be regulated.

After hearing from upset pet owners, House Judiciary committee members became concerned Wednesday that small pets like turtles, parrots and gerbils would be covered under the bill. The bill states that exotic animals to be regulated must be physically or biologically dangerous to humans, livestock and West Virginia wildlife.

The rule-writing process allows for public comment and would require the Legislature’s final approval of regulations next winter before the law could be enforced. It would also give the DNR more time to determine which animals would require permits and to set fees.

You can always tell when it is an election year...elected officials will always pass the baton on the controversial stuff.

RED ALERT: HR511 Stop Python BAN NOW!

EricRoscoe — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 12:42:51 GMT

RED ALERT: HR511 Stop Python BAN NOW!

HR 511, a bill to amend title 18, United States Code, to prohibit the importation of various injurious species of constrictor snakes; Indian python, Python molurus, including the Burmese python, Python molurus bivittatus; reticulated python, Broghammerus reticulatus; Northern African python,Python sebae; Southern African python, Python natalensis; Boa constrictor; yellow anaconda, Eunectes notaeus; DeSchauensee’s anaconda, Eunectes deschauenseei; green anaconda, Eunectes murinus; and the Beni anaconda, Eunectes beniensis, in the US House of Representatives, was introduced January 26, 2011 by Congressman Tom Rooney (R-FL) .

Congressman Rooney has taken action to move HR 511! This bill seeks to add 9 constricting snakes to the Injurious Wildlife List of the Lacey Act. HR 511 has been scheduled for a Markup Hearing before the US House Judiciary Committee on Tuesday February 28, 2012 at 10:00 AM EST.

http://judiciary.house.gov/hearings/markups112.html

There is very little time to voice opposition to this bill that could devistate the Reptile Community. Please participate in the USARK Call In Campaign TODAY!

PHONE CAMPAIGN:

Talking Points:

• Will destroy thousands of jobs and small family businesses; $104 million annual economic impact.
• Criminalize the actions of over 1 million American Citizens; Lacey Act felons.
• Federal action to address a localized problem in South Florida is unnecessary; the State of Florida and US Fish & Wildlife have already taken draconian measures.
• Underlying science has been criticized by scientists from around the world.
• Creates a massive animal welfare problem, potentially displacing millions of animals.

Key Members of House Judiciary Committee:

Lamar Smith (R-TX)- 202-225-4236
Sensenbrenner (R-WI)- 202-225-5101
Coble (R-NC)- 202-225-3065
Issa (R-CA)- 202-225-3906
Gohmert (R-TX)- 202-225-3035
Chaffetz (R-UT)- 202-225-7751
Gowdy (R-SC)- 202-225-6030
Poe (R-TX)- 202-225-6565
Goodlatte (R-VA)- 202-225-5431

DO IT NOW!!!

ALERT WI: Dane County Reptile Ban

EricRoscoe — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 12:49:43 GMT

Everyone who keeps a reptile or other exotic animal in Dane county Wisconsin needs to show up tothis meeting TONIGHT!!

The Dane Co exotic animal ban is going to be bought up as a referral from the County Board at the next Environment, Agriculture,and Natural Resources Board on Tuesday Feb 21 at 5:45 pm. Seems they will be trying to sneak this one through on short notice.

This BAN has undefined parameters and NO list of animals effected.

1 Fern Oak Court- Room 208

Madison WI

http://pdf.countyofdane.com/clerk/agendas/EA20120221a.pdf

Please click here to oppose Dane County WI REPTILE BAN: http://usark.org/campaign.php?id=36

*Update- Dane County is already back peddling on its proposed amendment; a new amendment covers only:
6. Crocodilians (alligators, crocodiles);
14. Reptilia over ten (10) feet in length (boa constrictors, pythons);
15. Venomous reptilia.

Continue to put on the pressure to KILL the amendment!

Illinois Animal Act

Katschamne — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 19:46:01 GMT

I just wanted to let people see what is going on in Illinois. Although I know that this doesn't affect most the people on this forum except a couple of us but if this passes in Illinois what state will be next. Most people dwell on the reptile portion of this Act. It does include fish as well. It is very vague at times. When are dart frogs dangerous in captivity, which tarantula do they consider dangerous? It is worded that this is only a partial list, that if someone deems an animal dangerous they can enforce the law.

This is only an excerpt: but I will include the address so that you may read the whole act.

14. All venomous amphibians, including but not limited to all frogs and toads that are capable of inflicting
serious bodily harm to humans and animals (poison dart frogs, cane toads, marine toads, giant toads,
Colorado River toad);
15. All venomous fish, including but not limited to members of the Scorpanaeridae family
(Scorpion/Rock/Stone fish); Ostraciidae family (Box/Trunk fish); Tetraodontidae family (pufferfishes);
Holocentridae family (Squirrel fishes); Dasyatidae family (stingrays); Siganidae family (Rabbit fish);
Acanthuridae family (Surgeonfish); Batrachoididae family (Toad fish); Tracinidae (Weever fish);
16. All dangerous fish, including barracuda and piranha fish belonging to the Characidae family;
17. All dangerous insects, including but not limited to all scorpions (Centruroides, Androctonus, Buthus,
Hottentotta, Leirus, Tityus, Mesobuthus) and spiders, including but not limited to Theridiidae family
(widow spiders); Loxoscelide family (brown spiders); Theraphosidae family ( tarantulas); capable of
inflicting serious bodily harm to humans;

To read more about it here is the link:
http://www.lakecountyil.gov/Health/resources/Documents/Illinois%20Dangerous%20Animals%20Act.pdf

West Virginia: No on SB477- Reptile BAN!

EricRoscoe — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 12:51:24 GMT

Two bills have been introduced into the West Virginia General Assembly that would BAN the ownership of countless reptiles under proposed Dangerous Animal Legislation. On January 30, 2012 Delegate Mannypenny introduced HB4344, 'Dangerous Wild Animals' into the WV House. On February 1, 2012 Senator Kessler introduced a senate companion bill, SB477, into the WVSenate. Although the House bill does not appear to be as restrictive as the Senate bill, collectively these bills could outlaw ALL Non-Native Reptiles in WV. Both HB4344 & SB477 are standard bill templates written by the Animal Rights Industry. As such, they 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. Most of these reptiles are tropical in nature and would perish within minutes/hours of exposure to the WV Winter; posing virtually ZERO Invasive Species Risk. The idea that these animals pose an invasive species risk in WV is preposterous. Working with traditional livestock and pets presents far more invasive species and public safety risk than working with reptiles. 35 people per year preposterous by dogs in the US. Cats, dogs and hogs wreak havock in every state of the Union as an invasive species. By comparison, reptiles are relatively safe and benign. The efforts by the Animal are killed 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 has never been a death attributed to a captive reptile in WV. No tropical reptile stands a chance of introduction into WV.

**HB4344 has been referred to the House Natural Resources Committee. SB477 has been placed on a fast track and has already passed out of the WV Senate and is now pending in the House.We need volunteers for a lobbying day at the WV State House. Get involved TODAY!

***SB477 and HB4344 could completely decimate the responsible and legitimate reptile industry in WV destroying hundreds of small businesses and families, along with thousands of jobs.

The reptile industry in West Virginia represents approximately $15 million in annual trade, thousands of jobs and tens of thousands of animals. USARK OPPOSES HB4344 &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 SB477 &HB4344.

Click here to send letter opposing SB477: http://usark.org/campaign.php?id=34 (about 12 of the email addresses bounce back, but the other31 go through)

Click here to send letter opposing HB4344: http://usark.org/campaign.php?id=35 (about 12 of the email addresses bounce back, but the other 13 go through)

Click here to read SB477: http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Bill_Status/bills_text.cfm?billdoc=sb477%20intr.htm&yr=2012&sesstype=RS&i=477

Click here to read HB4344: http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Bill_Status/bills_text.cfm?billdoc=hb4344%20intr.htm&yr=2012&sesstype=RS&i=4344

BE ADVISED! Some of the email addresses of WV House Members are bouncing back, but the majority are going through!

PA folks, SAY NO TO H.R. 1398!!

zooherper — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 21:59:37 GMT

Same story guys. Herps are not specifically singled out, but the wording is ambiguous enough that they are effectively banned should this pass. The law can be read here:

www.legis.state.pa.us/index.cfm.

Oi. Good news is there are only 49 states this kind of junk can be proposed in. (HI already bans most herps).

Vote to have a voice

blueboy973 — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 14:52:30 GMT

http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2011/10/19/should-people-be-allowed-to-keep-exotic-animals-as-house-pets/

WV EXOTIC ANIMAL BAN

zooherper — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 18:59:32 GMT

Senate version of the bill, which is terms West Virginia Senate Bill 477:

http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Bill_St...stype=RS&i=477

Here is the guy who introduced the bill, please let him know that this is a very very very poorly written bill. As written, all non-domestic animals will be banned.

Jeffrey V. Kessler (D - Marshall)
President
District 2

Capitol Address:
Room 227M, Building 1
State Capitol Complex
Charleston, WV 25305

Capitol Phone: (304) 357-7801
Business Phone: (304) 845-2580
E-mail: jeff.kessler@wvsenate.gov

This bill passed through the Senate natural resources committee yesterday, it moves to the senate judiciary committee.

House version ( a bit more specific, but still bad): HB 4344

http://www.legis.state.wv.us/bill_st...type=RS&i=4344

Get the names on this ASAP

ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!!?!?!?!?!?!

zooherper — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 09:56:03 GMT

Ok, so HSUS is at it again....this time in my state. I'll get a contact list together ASAP....hit like the VA legislature please!

http://times-news.com/local/x2009900955/W-Va-moves-to-tighten-laws-for-wild-animal-owners

Dane Co WI proposes Exotic animal ban

EricRoscoe — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 16:30:49 GMT

This was recently bought to my attention that would amend Chapter 47 of the Dane County WI ordinance to prohibit the keeping and sale of *all* live exotic animals!!!!!!! As of Feb 8th, this has been referred to the county Environment, Agriculture, and Natural Resources, Health and Human Needs, Board of Health, and Public Works/Transportation boards. There may be a public hearing on this at some point; at which time *everyone* is going to need to attend and prepare for! Here is a copy of the amendment:

47.21 POSSESSION OR SALE OF EXOTIC ANIMALS PROHIBITED. (1) Purpose and intent. The Dane County
Board of Supervisors finds that exotic animals pose health and safety risks to the residents of Dane County. It is
the intent of the Board to prohibit the possession or sale of exotic animals within Dane County.
(2) Definitions. For purposes of this section the following definitions shall apply:
(a) Circus means a scheduled event staged by a traveling company with mobile facilities in which entertainment
consisting of a variety of performances by acrobats, clowns or trained animals is the primary attraction or principle
business.
(b) Person means any individual, partnership, firm, joint stock company, corporation, association, trust, estate, or
other legal entity.
(c) Possess means to own, control, restrain, transport, or keep.
(d) Public Zoo or Aquarium means a zoo or aquarium that is operated by the state or by a city, village or county
that is an accredited member of the American Zoo and Aquarium Association.
(e) Sell means to transfer or exchange for consideration.
(f) Veterinarian means a person who is licensed in this state to practice veterinary medicine under ch. 453 of the
Wisconsin Statutes and who is certified under the rules promulgated by the department of agriculture, trade and
consumer protection.
(g) Exotic Animal means any animal that is not normally domesticated in the United States, including any such
animal’s hybrid with domestic species, or any animal that is wild by nature, regardless of whether it was bred in
the wild or in captivity.
(3) Prohibition. No person shall possess, sell or offer to sell any live exotic animal.
(4) Exceptions. The following person or entities may possess exotic animals:
(a) A person licensed by the State under ch. 169 of the Wisconsin Statutes.
(b) A veterinarian, for the purposes of providing medical treatment to exotic animals.
(c)_A public zoo or aquarium.
(d) A circus.
(e) A person authorized to do so by the department of natural resources.
ARTICLE 4. Section 47.51(14) is created to read as follows:
(14) Any person who violates section 47.21 shall be subject to a forfeiture of not less than $100 nor more than
$500.

Legislative Text can also be found here:
http://legistar.cityofmadison.com/detailreport/matter.aspx?key=27882

Here us a list of the four committees this amendment is currently before. Each one, with the exception of Board of Health, contains an email feature enabling you to "email all committee members" at once. If you reside anywhere in Dane County Wisconsin or even elsewhere in WI, please take 5-10 minutes of your time to do this.

Environment, Agriculture, and Natural Resources
http://www.countyofdane.com/committees/standing.asp?CommNum=137
Public Works and Transportation
http://www.countyofdane.com/committees/standing.asp?CommNum=139
Board of Health
http://www.countyofdane.com/commissions/board_of_health/
Health and Human Needs
http://www.countyofdane.com/committees/standing.asp?CommNum=4

Update: Ohio, Virginia, Rhode Island

EricRoscoe — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 14:18:00 GMT

OHIO: DAL Delayed

The long awaited Dangerous Animal Legislation bill expected to be introduced yesterday has been delayed, USARK was contacted by Senator Troy Balderson's Office indicating that the bill was still in drafting. There had been a hearing scheduled today in the Senate Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee, but that hearing has been cancelled. The bill could be introduced as early as next week; but more likely towards the end of the month do to the impending recess of the Ohio General Assembly. When more information is available regarding the introduction of the bill, and subsequent committee hearing, USARK will make that information available. Stay tuned. No bill has been introduced, and no hearing has been scheduled.

VIRGINIA: Bills Carried Over

Stakeholders and USARK members working in concert in Virginia brought much pressure to bear on two companion bills (HB1242 & SB477) in the VA House and Senate. Special thanks to Dr. Kerri Cooper-Baily, David Means, Jared Watts and others for arranging face to face member meetings opposing both bills. USARK supported that effort with a large letter writing campaign, as well as engaging bill sponsors and committee members behind the scenes. As of now both HB1242 & SB477 have been carried over until 2013. Neither of these bills will receive further consideration in 2012. Congratulations VA for educating the General Assembly as to the many problems these legislative proposals pose to VA hobbyists and small businesses. Stay vigilant. These bills may resurface in 2013. Job well done!

RHODE ISLAND: S2033 Goes to Committee

There will be a hearing before the RI Senate Committee on Environment & Agriculture Wednesday February 15th at the rise of the Senate in Rm 211 of The State House, 82 Smith St. Providence, RI. This hearing will be to consider, and potentially vote on, S2033 Act Relating to Animals. There could be a vote on this bill which could adversely impact reptile ownership in the state. If you own reptiles in RI please make every effort to be present and testify at this important hearing. Andrew Wyatt, USARK CEO, will testify on behalf of USARK members. We need as many people as possible to attend this hearing. There has already been a ground swell of opposition to the bill engineered by USARK in a large letter writing campaign. Decisions made at this hearing could be crucial to the future of reptile ownership in RI. Oppose S2033!

Questions: president@usark.org

IMPORTANT: "Plan B" STOP VA Reptile BAN

Kernel — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 10:30:17 GMT

Admin on another forum posted this.

Unfortunately the Virginia General Assembly email firewall is filtering out USARK's letter writing campaign to Stop VA Reptile BAN. Most of you have seen numerous emails kicked back as spam. In order to get around the firewall it will require everyone to do just a little more work. Please Do This... It is Extremely Important to demonstrate how many people oppose this ban. Below is two letters. One to the sponsor and committee members of SB477, and one to the sponsor and committee members of HB1242. With each letter is a list of email addresses to send the letter to. It will take a little effort to copy and paste the letter and email addresses to your own email account and send the letters, but please do it! There will very likely be a hearing on SB477 next Thursday!

1) Letter for SB477: (Copy and paste letter and addresses to send an email from your own account)

district24@senate.virginia.gov, district10@senate.virginia.gov, district38@senate.virginia.gov, district15@senate.virginia.gov, district14@senate.virginia.gov, district26@senate.virginia.gov, district09@senate.virginia.gov, district34@senate.virginia.gov, district06@senate.virginia.gov, district28@senate.virginia.gov, district37@senate.virginia.gov, district20@senate.virginia.gov, district13@senate.virginia.gov, district01@senate.virginia.gov, district30@senate.virginia.gov, district18@senate.virginia.gov

Senator Lucas and Committee Members,

As a resident/stakeholder in the Virginia reptile community I appreciate your concern for public safety. However, your proposed bill is far too over reaching in regards to reptiles. Who ever assisted in the construction of the bill obviously doesn't understand the natural history or economics of reptiles in VA; nor their relatively simple captive husbandry requirements. Further, there seems to be no understanding of the difference between occupational hazard and public safety risk.

The reptile industry represents $25 million annually in commerce in Virginia. Thousands make their living in this State because of this business. To cavalierly destroy this non-traditional agricultural interest because of a fundamental lack of understanding is unacceptable. As written, this bill will hurt me and my family. It is bad idea to kill jobs in this kind of economy.

Working with certain reptiles entails a moderate occupational risk, but historically and statistically, reptiles represent virtually zero public safety risk. Dogs account for 35 deaths a year in this country. Captive reptiles less than one per year. Traditional livestock and pets have proven much more of a public safety risk than reptiles. According to US Fish & Wildlife and US Geological Services studies, the rare event of a death as the result of a captive reptile falls into the category of occupational hazard. There is no record whatsoever of a captive reptile creating any measurable risk to the public... NEVER!

Please remove ALL reptiles from SB 477. Thank you.

2) Letter for HB1242: (Copy and paste letter and addresses to send an email from your own account)

DelCPeace@house.virginia.gov, DelRTyler@house.virginia.gov, DelDMarshall@house.virginia.gov, DelBOrrock@house.virginia.gov, DelCPoindexter@house.virginia.gov, DelBKnight@house.virginia.gov, DelJMorefield@house.virginia.gov, DelMJames@house.virginia.gov, DelMSickles@house.virginia.gov

Delegate Peace and Committee Members,

As a resident/stakeholder in the Virginia reptile community I appreciate your concern for public safety. However, your proposed bill is far too over reaching in regards to reptiles. Who ever assisted in the construction of the bill obviously doesn't understand the natural history or economics of reptiles in VA; nor their relatively simple captive husbandry requirements. Further, there seems to be no understanding of the difference between occupational hazard and public safety risk.

The reptile industry represents $25 million annually in commerce in Virginia. Thousands make their living in this State because of this business. To cavalierly destroy this non-traditional agricultural interest because of a fundamental lack of understanding is unacceptable. As written, this bill will hurt me and my family. It is bad idea to kill jobs in this kind of economy.

Working with certain reptiles entails a moderate occupational risk, but historically and statistically, reptiles represent virtually zero public safety risk. Dogs account for 35 deaths a year in this country. Captive reptiles less than one per year. Traditional livestock and pets have proven much more of a public safety risk than reptiles. According to US Fish & Wildlife and US Geological Services studies, the rare event of a death as the result of a captive reptile falls into the category of occupational hazard. There is no record whatsoever of a captive reptile creating any measurable risk to the public... NEVER!

Please remove ALL reptiles from HB1242. Thank you.

PIJAC

Kernel — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 14:24:29 GMT

Ok, guys this is not a debate, I'm just going to put some info out there. We all know USARK is great, but we also know they don't have the funds to compete with HSUS and PETA. Well, a friend of mine informed me about PIJAC (Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council). They DO have the funds and they don't just support the reptile industry, but the pet industry as a whole. They know that they will ban large reptiles then smaller ones and that they will eventually move to fish, birds and hamsters etc. So while I'm not saying to stop supporting USARK (I'm not) I'm saying we need to support PIJAC as well. Right now PIJAC and USARK are working separately, but we need EVERYONE to work TOGETHER if we are going to win this. Again this is not to start debate or argument, it is to inform. Also, I have noticed fighting going on in some forums and that's not what we need. United we stand, divided we fall.

Rhode Island is next

Kernel — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 08:54:34 GMT

Admin on another forum posted this.

S2033 has been introduced into the Rhode Island General Assembly. It would BAN the ownership of ALL pythons and boas. On January 11, 2012 Senators Tassoni, Lynch, Perry and Pinga introduced S2033 into the RI Senate. The bill is 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 has never been death in the last 50 years in the state of RI from a captive reptile.
S2033 has been assigned to the Senate Environmental & Agriculture Committee. Get involved TODAY!
Click here to send a letter opposing S2033: http://usark.org/campaign.php?id=31
Click here to read S2033: http://www.usark.org/uploads/RI%20S2033.pdf

Hi Im jimmy

jimmy1212 — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 12:18:06 GMT

Im new to this site i love animals and quibids

onclick:if_IFCode(''http://qb.cm/r10498337');

oops

reptiledude24 — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 12:07:34 GMT

ignore this, it won't let me delete this

RED ALERT: Stop Federal Python BAN!

EricRoscoe — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 15:38:21 GMT

RED ALERT: Stop Federal Python BAN!
This is the final push in the BIG FIGHT to stop the Boa and Python BAN! This BIG FIGHT has been 4 years in the making (since 2008) ... Help USARK put the Python Ban to rest in 2012! Please participate and help the Reptile Nation overcome the most devistating attack the Herp Community has ever faced!! Please read and follow the instructions to ensure your voice is heard by President Obama, the US Congress and the US Senate.

US Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) has a proposed rule being considered by the White House Office of Management & Budget (OMB). This is the final stage of the rule making process. This rule, if enacted, would ban the import and interstate transport of nine constricting snakes; Burmese python, Northern & Southern African pythons, Reticulated python, all four Anacondas, and Boa constrictor. This rule has been called the "Constrictor Rule". All of these constrictors would be added to the Injurious Wildlife list of the Lacey Act. If this were to happen more than 1 million American citizens could be subject to felony prosecution under the Lacey Act. It is the job of OMB to weigh the purported benefits of the rule against the economic impacts. It is also their duty to assure the rule has been given due process under the Administrative Procedures Act, Information Quality Act and all pertinent Executive Orders. USARK has created a clear public record that FWS has failed at every level to make their case for this rule. According to emails obtained by USARK it appears that staff at FWS colluded with staff at the US Geological Survey (USGS) to manufacture "science" to support this rule making after the decision had already been made to pursue a Lacey Act listing. Further, FWS grossly underestimated the economic impact. USGS has justified their flawed "science" by saying they were not required to adhere to information quality standards for science used to support the rule because the rule did not meet the standard for a major rule making ($100 million). An economic assessment of the Modern Reptile Industry commissioned by USARK, and done by Georgetown Economic Services, has since debunked USGS claims by asserting that the rule could have impact in excess of $103 million. USARK believes the actions of FWS and USGS in regards to the Constrictor Rule are arbitrary, capricious and potentially unlawful.

Please send the letter below to President Obama and your Senators and Congressmen to let them know you are aware of the actions of FWS and the negative impact on you, your family and business. Just follow the simple instructions.

Do it now and share with all your friends, family, social networks, forums and email lists! This is your chance to make a difference and help USARK set a positive precedent for our industry.
united-states-association-of-reptile-keepers.rallycongress.com/5799/no-on-fws-python-rule-bad-american-small-business-families-alread

Help the Reptile Nation stop this ban!

hetzell1991 — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 09:22:30 GMT

Everybody, I don't know if all of you know this, but the government has banned the interstate movement of four large snakes. This is bad for the reptile community. Go to Facebook and search for "SnakeAwarenessDay." This is a community of reptile keepers trying to stop and possibly reverse this ban. Go Like it!

Wednesday is Herp Day at Field Museum!

Muddog — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 20:49:43 GMT

The Field Museum in Chicago features photos, videos, and facts about reptiles or amphibians on its Facebook page every Wednesday. Happy Herp Day! Become a fan and follow the weekly posts, view previous galleries, interact with other fans, and more!
Visit http://www.facebook.com/fieldmuseum, follow us on Twitter @fieldmuseum, or find us on Google+.

For more information on herpetology research and collections at the Field Museum, check http://fieldmuseum.org/explore/department/zoology/amphibians-and-reptiles/history

Overturn the "Python Ban"

Kernel — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 11:31:58 GMT

This is, but one battle in a huge war and this battle isn't over yet.

https://wwws.whitehouse.gov/petitions/!/petition/overturn-python-ban/4wGFbc4Y?utm_source=wh.gov&utm_medium=shorturl&utm_campaign=shorturl

Words cannot express....

Sinkarnate — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 19:35:27 GMT

This is the first step guys...expect there to be A LOT more legislation thrown at us now... knowing that they can get away with it..... wont be long before we see retics... boas... and then ball pythons added to that list.... snakes in general will be attacked soon and then they will move onto other reptiles and eventually other animals... this is their agenda.
do not be fooled into thinking this bill is about environmental impact or "dangerous" pets. It's not. It's about a loud group of people forcing their way onto others....

http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/01/16/2592593/us-set-to-approve-python-ban.html

ReptileChannel.com Will be Down Today at 8pm PT

RC Community Moderator — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 11:24:05 GMT

The ReptileChannel.com website and forum will be down for about 30 minutes tonight starting at 8pm Pacific Time for a scheduled maintenance update.

Merry Christmas!!!

amphibian keeper — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 20:51:37 GMT

Merry Christmas everyone!!!

Photo Upload Problems

RC Community Moderator — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 15:21:54 GMT

Hi Everyone,

We are aware that you are unable to upload images or change your avatars. We've sent in a help ticket to our IT team who is currently working on a fix for this issue.

Thank you for your patience while we get this fixed. Sorry for any inconvenience the glitch has caused. We hope it will be fixed soon.

Update: Ohio

EricRoscoe — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 23:32:27 GMT

In the wake of the incident in Zanesville Ohio, where a disturbed man released lions, tigers and bears from his facility prior to committing suicide, pressure has come down from Governor Kasich's office to BAN many exotic animals; including hundreds of species of reptiles. It is important to remember that there were NO reptiles involved in the release at Zanesville. Further, it can be demonstrated statistically and historically that reptiles pose virtually NO PUBLIC SAFETY RISK in Ohio or anywhere else. There is a moderate occupational risk taken on by those who work with certain reptiles, but accidents are extremely rare when taken in the context of other more traditional pets or livestock. On average there is less than one death per year associated with a captive reptile. No member of the public, outside of a reptile keepers facility, has ever been killed by a captive reptile. Every life is precious, but working with reptiles is far less dangerous than keeping some traditional pets, equestrian or even driving a car. These activities, although far more dangerous than the keeping of ANY reptiles, are commonly accepted risks in modern society. USARK rejects the inclusion of ANY REPTILES in Dangerous Animal Legislation (DAL) in Ohio.

It is no secret that the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), a radical animal rights organization, has targeted the Reptile Industry in Ohio. They have intentionally mischaracterized the risks involved in working with reptiles in order to use the Zanesville incident to enforce the policy position they have held since the 1980's; NO REPTILES IN CAPTIVITY. They were included in a work group tasked with providing recommendations to the Governor regarding exotic animals. USARK was denied the opportunity to contribute our expertise in regards to the reptile industry. There was no one with expertise regarding reptiles and the reptile industry included; even though reptiles represent 90% of the animals being considered. According to a survey done by Georgetown Economic Services the reptile industry equates to approximately $30 million annually in Ohio. There are approximately 225,000 facilities/households that are currently operating in Ohio. Any talk of including reptiles in a ban has been primarily motivated by HSUS because they are targeting the keeping of reptiles for ideological reasons at the federal, state and local level nationwide.

USARK Opposes a BAN on ANY Reptiles in Ohio! We have been actively engaged in Ohio for about 18 months. Over the last 2 months, USARK and our allies have met with the leadership of Ohio Dept of Natural Resources (ODNR) and Ohio Dept of Agriculture (ODA). There has been a recommendation forwarded through ODNR to Governor Kasich as the basis for a new piece of legislation to ban many animals in Ohio. Senator Troy Balderson and Representative Dave Hall are the likely sponsors of such a bill. USARK has met and consulted with Senator Balderson, the Senate lead in bill drafting. He has voiced skepticism about the inclusion of reptiles in any DAL. We are working closely with his office to insure the interests of the Reptile Nation are served in Ohio. Indications suggest that a bill of some sort will be introduced in late January or early February.

***The current bill, HB352 introduced by Representative Phillips, has lost all momentum after a landslide of oppostion from USARK and the Reptile Nation! Thank you for participating! Nothing of substance has happened yet with any new DAL... Stay Tuned to USARK for the latest cutting edge information on the Reptile Industry. We will call on you to take action in Ohio when the time is right!

If you live in Ohio or have friends in Ohio please share this ALERT with them. If you are not a member of USARK, Join Us & Help Protect Your Rights! Follow USARK on Facebook and Twitter. Get the latest UPDATES as they happen. There is Strength in Numbers! The Reptile Nation needs your help TODAY!

Federal Bill to Control Snake Problem

EricRoscoe — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 23:31:23 GMT

‎9 Florida lawmakers using demonstrably false claims of Burmese python expansion across the southern third of the continental U.S. in upcoming bids for re-election:

Federal Bill to Control Snake Problem in Florida
www.outdoorlife.com/blogs/newshound/2011/12/bill-control-snake-problem-florida

LOTF

I love chelonians — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 17:42:29 GMT

you need to empty your pm box

Want a frilled Dragon -GET YOURS NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Emery — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 17:18:00 GMT

Frilled Dragons are magnificent pets I love them-they can become as tame as a Bearded Dragon and live with a bearded Dragon since they have the same temps. except frillies need taller and bigger enclosures-anyway thats a different topic. Okay so the Frilled Dragons you see here in the United States now a days are wild caught frillies from Australia or New Guinnea. WELL Australia wants to start putting a law against it so that the populations of the frillies will go up and so will all the other lizards and animals who live in Australia.Which also means the only frillies that will be produced will be captivelly bred ones. Your probally thinking-OHHH COOL!HOWS THIS BAD-I mean then the populations will go up and the frillies they sell will have less of a chance to be stressed or have parasites WRONG!!!!!!! okay so the population in Australia will go up but guess what.The Adults they collect from the wild will maybe have parasites but all the babys you see are not caught.What they do is first they find the eggs of the Frilled Dragon and they bring them here to America and waaazam-they wont have parasites because they are not entirely wild caught-i mean they cant collect diseases from the wild when they are in the egg and dont hatch in the wild.SO yea and then if theres no more of those kinds of "WILD CAUGHTS" then that doesnt mean any more frillies.Oh no it only means the people who breed them will sale them.The average price of a normal frilled Dragon is 150$. That price will triple in a couple years . This is because frilled Dragons will be worth alot more than before because now they will be rarer in the United States meaning they will sell them for around 400-500$ each.I am buying a frilled Dragon before March because thats when i will be able to buy one.If you are smart you will start breeding frilled dragons if you wana make more money then what you spent on them.This is a 100% complete true forum and i am suggesting it-if you dont want to then you dont need to but if you want one-nows your chance-GO FRILLIES!!!!

hey AK, your PM box is full

I love chelonians — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 16:40:20 GMT

i tried to respond to your last message but you PM is full