Gecko Ranch
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From a poster at Gecko Resources Forums:
I'm sure by now all of you have heard of the possible ban on boas that was being tossed
around last year. While that was defeated the bill has come back even stronger this year.
This Bill has 10 Sponsors, which means it has alot of push to help it pass, not to mention
the might of the HSUS behind it.
It will allow for a ban on importation of ALL NON NATIVE WILDLIFE.. this means reptiles, frogs, birds, fish and insects, unless they add the particular animal to the "list of approved species"
Ban the transport of all such animals between states
Ban the breeding of any such animals or selling for the purpose of breeding.
This has the potential to wipe out the exotic animal trade
Below is the newest Information from USARK.org. Please do as they suggest and take 5mins to
email the listed Reps that are supporting the bill.
And encourage all your friends to do the same
-- Another point of interest - No animals will be decided for the "approved species" list until AFTER this bill is passed
-- It will also help to look up your own states representatives and e-mail them to vote against this
------------------------------
NO on HR669 / Grassroots Organizing 101
OK everyone just take a deep breath.... we need to look at this problem objectively. This is
not the time to panic, it is not the time to get emotional, but it is time for thoughtful,
deliberate action!
If you have been listening to USARK for very long, you knew that this was coming. Many were
of the opinion that HR6311 was dead. USARK warned that although it was dead for 2008 it would
be reintroduced in 2009. Now we have the newest version, HR669. Now the question becomes:
What is the Herp Community going to do about it?
Full Bill - http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill...?bill=h111-669
Let's look at the history of HR669:
1. It began in 2007 with a petition from the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD)
to USFWS to add Boa, Python and Eunectes to the 'Injurious Wildlife List' of the Lacey Act.
That was followed by a Notice of Inquiry published in the Federal Register calling for public
comment in early 2008. This constituted the first step in a 'potential' Rule Change to the
Lacey Act. This process is under way and can take up to 4 years to effect an actual Rule
Change. It is not over. This is still being processed by USFWS.
2. The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and the Defenders of Wildlife, unhappy with
the pace of progress with a 'potential' Rule Change to the Lacey Act, convince a group of US
House members to introduce a bill based on a report written by Defenders of Wildlife called
Broken Screens. In July of 2008 HR6311 is introduced into the US House of Representatives.
Marshall Myers of PIJAC is present and makes an eloquent point by point rebuttal of the Bill.
Because of so many other pressing issues HR6311 dies in the Natural Resources Committee it
was assigned to.
3. USARK warns that even though HR6311 is dead for the legislative session it will be revived
in 2009. USARK initiates a petition against HR6311 October 2008.
4. January 2009 HR6311 is reintroduced as HR669. A group of 10 House members co-sponsor HR669
and it is assigned to the House Natural Resources Committee.
Facts about HR669:
1. If passed HR669 would end the import, purchase, sale, trade and breeding of many reptiles
and amphibians including boa, python & eunectes. The following is an excerpt from the Bill.
SEC. 6. PROHIBITIONS AND PENALTIES.
(a) Prohibitions- Except as provided in this section or in section 7, it is unlawful for any
person subject to the jurisdiction of the United States to--
(1) import into or export from the United States any nonnative wildlife species that is not
included in the list of approved species issued under section 4;
(2) transport between any State by any means whatsoever any nonnative wildlife species that
is not included in the list of approved species issued under section 4;
(3) violate any term or condition of a permit issued under section 7;
(4) possess (except as provided in section 3(f)), sell or offer to sell, purchase or offer to
purchase, or barter for or offer to barter for, any nonnative wildlife species that is
prohibited from being imported under paragraph (1);
(5) release into the wild any nonnative wildlife species that is prohibited from being
imported under paragraph (1); or
(6) breed any nonnative wildlife species that is prohibited from being imported under
paragraph (1), or provide any such species to another person for breeding purposes.
2. There are 10 sponsors for this Bill. That means this is serious. They want to pass this
Bill. Some of sponsors have strong relationships to the HSUS.
3. HR669 has very little basis in scientific fact. There is no evidence to suggest that
banning any of these animals will have any positive effects on the economy, environment, or
human or animal species health.
4. What is certain is that passing HR669 would add to our country's economic decline and
devastate American families and small businesses.
5. Your voice can make the difference in the defeat of HR669!
What can I do IMMEDIATELY to keep HR669 from passing?
* Click sponsors name from list below and that will take you to their email portal.
* Fill in subject field with 'OPPOSE HR669'
* Cut and paste sample letter into body of email adding your own comments (or write your own
letter).
* Be brief, be polite, be articulate and DO NOT BE DISRESPECTFUL! This is extremely
important!! If you can't do this don't bother to make contact.
* Let them know how HR669 would effect you and your family.
* Fill in your personal information.
* Click SUBMIT button.
* Send a separate email to [email protected] with HR669in your in subject line so we can track
the number of people participating.
Sponsors List:
1. Del. Bordallo
http://www.house.gov/bordallo/IMA/issue.htm
2. Rep. Napolitano
http://www.napolitano.house.gov/contact/feedback.htm
3. Rep. Kind
http://www.house.gov/kind/contact.shtml
4. Rep. Grijalva
http://grijalva.house.gov/?sectionid=49§iontre e=2,49
5. Rep. Kildee
** NO EMAIL **
6. Rep. Klein
http://klein.house.gov/content/contact/
7. Rep. Hastings
http://www.alceehastings.house.gov/index.php?optio n=com_content&task=view&id=104&Itemid=
8. Rep. Abercrombie
http://www.house.gov/abercrombie/e_form.shtml
9. Rep. McGovern
** NO EMAIL**
10. Rep. Miller
http://georgemiller.house.gov/contactus/2007/08/po st_1.html
Sample Letter: Cut & paste letter.
Subject: Oppose HR669number
(Del or Rep Name),
I oppose HR669. This Bill is not based in science, but in the ideology of powerful special interest groups. There is absolutely no evidence to suggest that banning the import, sale and trade of any of these animals will have any positive effect on the economy, environment, or human or animal species health.
In fact, if passed it would destroy many families and businesses. It would have a decidedly negative impact on an already ailing economy by destroying a vital and growing industry at a
time when our country is in need of jobs and growth. The USFWS has just made changes to the
CITES export permit process which would allow quality captive bred animals to be more easily exported to international customers. Passing HR669 would negate all the work USFWS has done
for over a year. This Bill is a disaster to American small business and families in a time of
economic hardship.
(tell in your own words- what you do and how passing this bill would hurt you and your
family)
Please do not pass HR669.
Thank you,
(Your Name)
*This is just the first step in a proven formula of grassroots politics used by groups such
as the NRA and HSUS. Be ready to take the next step soon.
*Educate yourself to the process.
http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=h111-669
* If you haven't already signed, please sign our Petition Against HR669.
Remove Boa, Python & Eunectes from H.R. 669 Petition :
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/u...311/index.html
*If you are not a paid member of USARK please join today! Fighting legislation like this
takes members and money. We need your help to safeguard our Reptile Nation.
*Don't forget to email [email protected] when you're done so we know how many stood up and did
their part.
***Please do this now and pass it on to everyone on your email list!!
I'm sure by now all of you have heard of the possible ban on boas that was being tossed
around last year. While that was defeated the bill has come back even stronger this year.
This Bill has 10 Sponsors, which means it has alot of push to help it pass, not to mention
the might of the HSUS behind it.
It will allow for a ban on importation of ALL NON NATIVE WILDLIFE.. this means reptiles, frogs, birds, fish and insects, unless they add the particular animal to the "list of approved species"
Ban the transport of all such animals between states
Ban the breeding of any such animals or selling for the purpose of breeding.
This has the potential to wipe out the exotic animal trade
Below is the newest Information from USARK.org. Please do as they suggest and take 5mins to
email the listed Reps that are supporting the bill.
And encourage all your friends to do the same
-- Another point of interest - No animals will be decided for the "approved species" list until AFTER this bill is passed
-- It will also help to look up your own states representatives and e-mail them to vote against this
------------------------------
NO on HR669 / Grassroots Organizing 101
OK everyone just take a deep breath.... we need to look at this problem objectively. This is
not the time to panic, it is not the time to get emotional, but it is time for thoughtful,
deliberate action!
If you have been listening to USARK for very long, you knew that this was coming. Many were
of the opinion that HR6311 was dead. USARK warned that although it was dead for 2008 it would
be reintroduced in 2009. Now we have the newest version, HR669. Now the question becomes:
What is the Herp Community going to do about it?
Full Bill - http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill...?bill=h111-669
Let's look at the history of HR669:
1. It began in 2007 with a petition from the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD)
to USFWS to add Boa, Python and Eunectes to the 'Injurious Wildlife List' of the Lacey Act.
That was followed by a Notice of Inquiry published in the Federal Register calling for public
comment in early 2008. This constituted the first step in a 'potential' Rule Change to the
Lacey Act. This process is under way and can take up to 4 years to effect an actual Rule
Change. It is not over. This is still being processed by USFWS.
2. The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and the Defenders of Wildlife, unhappy with
the pace of progress with a 'potential' Rule Change to the Lacey Act, convince a group of US
House members to introduce a bill based on a report written by Defenders of Wildlife called
Broken Screens. In July of 2008 HR6311 is introduced into the US House of Representatives.
Marshall Myers of PIJAC is present and makes an eloquent point by point rebuttal of the Bill.
Because of so many other pressing issues HR6311 dies in the Natural Resources Committee it
was assigned to.
3. USARK warns that even though HR6311 is dead for the legislative session it will be revived
in 2009. USARK initiates a petition against HR6311 October 2008.
4. January 2009 HR6311 is reintroduced as HR669. A group of 10 House members co-sponsor HR669
and it is assigned to the House Natural Resources Committee.
Facts about HR669:
1. If passed HR669 would end the import, purchase, sale, trade and breeding of many reptiles
and amphibians including boa, python & eunectes. The following is an excerpt from the Bill.
SEC. 6. PROHIBITIONS AND PENALTIES.
(a) Prohibitions- Except as provided in this section or in section 7, it is unlawful for any
person subject to the jurisdiction of the United States to--
(1) import into or export from the United States any nonnative wildlife species that is not
included in the list of approved species issued under section 4;
(2) transport between any State by any means whatsoever any nonnative wildlife species that
is not included in the list of approved species issued under section 4;
(3) violate any term or condition of a permit issued under section 7;
(4) possess (except as provided in section 3(f)), sell or offer to sell, purchase or offer to
purchase, or barter for or offer to barter for, any nonnative wildlife species that is
prohibited from being imported under paragraph (1);
(5) release into the wild any nonnative wildlife species that is prohibited from being
imported under paragraph (1); or
(6) breed any nonnative wildlife species that is prohibited from being imported under
paragraph (1), or provide any such species to another person for breeding purposes.
2. There are 10 sponsors for this Bill. That means this is serious. They want to pass this
Bill. Some of sponsors have strong relationships to the HSUS.
3. HR669 has very little basis in scientific fact. There is no evidence to suggest that
banning any of these animals will have any positive effects on the economy, environment, or
human or animal species health.
4. What is certain is that passing HR669 would add to our country's economic decline and
devastate American families and small businesses.
5. Your voice can make the difference in the defeat of HR669!
What can I do IMMEDIATELY to keep HR669 from passing?
* Click sponsors name from list below and that will take you to their email portal.
* Fill in subject field with 'OPPOSE HR669'
* Cut and paste sample letter into body of email adding your own comments (or write your own
letter).
* Be brief, be polite, be articulate and DO NOT BE DISRESPECTFUL! This is extremely
important!! If you can't do this don't bother to make contact.
* Let them know how HR669 would effect you and your family.
* Fill in your personal information.
* Click SUBMIT button.
* Send a separate email to [email protected] with HR669in your in subject line so we can track
the number of people participating.
Sponsors List:
1. Del. Bordallo
http://www.house.gov/bordallo/IMA/issue.htm
2. Rep. Napolitano
http://www.napolitano.house.gov/contact/feedback.htm
3. Rep. Kind
http://www.house.gov/kind/contact.shtml
4. Rep. Grijalva
http://grijalva.house.gov/?sectionid=49§iontre e=2,49
5. Rep. Kildee
** NO EMAIL **
6. Rep. Klein
http://klein.house.gov/content/contact/
7. Rep. Hastings
http://www.alceehastings.house.gov/index.php?optio n=com_content&task=view&id=104&Itemid=
8. Rep. Abercrombie
http://www.house.gov/abercrombie/e_form.shtml
9. Rep. McGovern
** NO EMAIL**
10. Rep. Miller
http://georgemiller.house.gov/contactus/2007/08/po st_1.html
Sample Letter: Cut & paste letter.
Subject: Oppose HR669number
(Del or Rep Name),
I oppose HR669. This Bill is not based in science, but in the ideology of powerful special interest groups. There is absolutely no evidence to suggest that banning the import, sale and trade of any of these animals will have any positive effect on the economy, environment, or human or animal species health.
In fact, if passed it would destroy many families and businesses. It would have a decidedly negative impact on an already ailing economy by destroying a vital and growing industry at a
time when our country is in need of jobs and growth. The USFWS has just made changes to the
CITES export permit process which would allow quality captive bred animals to be more easily exported to international customers. Passing HR669 would negate all the work USFWS has done
for over a year. This Bill is a disaster to American small business and families in a time of
economic hardship.
(tell in your own words- what you do and how passing this bill would hurt you and your
family)
Please do not pass HR669.
Thank you,
(Your Name)
*This is just the first step in a proven formula of grassroots politics used by groups such
as the NRA and HSUS. Be ready to take the next step soon.
*Educate yourself to the process.
http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=h111-669
* If you haven't already signed, please sign our Petition Against HR669.
Remove Boa, Python & Eunectes from H.R. 669 Petition :
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/u...311/index.html
*If you are not a paid member of USARK please join today! Fighting legislation like this
takes members and money. We need your help to safeguard our Reptile Nation.
*Don't forget to email [email protected] when you're done so we know how many stood up and did
their part.
***Please do this now and pass it on to everyone on your email list!!
