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ATTENTION:
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The
US Fish & Wildlife Service is attempting to ban the interstate
transport of all boas and pythons. This ban would make
shipping boas and pythons across state lines illegal. The end
result of such a ban would undoubtedly be the demise of the boa
and python industry and would eventually eliminate the public's
ability to purchase any boa or python as a pet.
While I believe the regulation of many boas and pythons is inevitable,..this
proposed ban is extreme and misguided. If this ban is approved,
many businesses within the reptile industry would undoubtedly
go bankrupt and it would eventually become impossible to legally
purchase any boa or python as a pet.
If you appreciate your freedom to responsibly own these snakes
as pets,...then it is time to stand-up for your beliefs and make
your voice heard. This ban is very serious and if the reptile
community does not unite and stand against unreasonable regulations
such as this,.. then we will lose our freedom to responsibly care
for the reptiles we all love.
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What can you do?
2.
Make your voice heard! Let the US Fish &
Wildlife Service know what you think about their proposed ban.
Below is a direct quote from Kingsnake.com and the link to formally
voice your concerns in a manner that would be useful.
"As
the Federal Register outlines, only comments submitted in the
format that they have specified will be reviewed. Comments on
message boards, blogs, and petitions will not be accepted or
reviewed. We recommend that everyone focus their efforts on
submitting comments using the required procedure rather than
methods that will not produce tangible results. Individuals
and businesses may submit their comments at" http://www.regulations.gov/fdmspublic/component/main?main=SubmitComment&o=09000064803a565f.
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3.
Join and/or donate money to PIJAC! Dealing with
the government and any organizations threatening our freedom
to responsibly keep reptiles as pets requires organization and
a familiarity with the official channels for communication.
PIJAC ( Pet Industry Joint Advisory
Council) is, perhaps, the most powerful voice the reptile
community has in dealing with regulations and proposed bans.
By joining or donating money to PIJAC, you are supporting and
strengthening this voice and providing much-needed resources
to combat this latest ban.
Click
here to visit PIJAC's website.
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4.
Promote responsible pet ownership and sales! This
proposed ban on boas and pythons is largely a result of years
of unresponsible behavior by pet-owners and retailers. For years,
retailers have sold large boas and pythons without properly
educating their customers about the long-term needs and requirements
of such snakes. In addition, many pet-owners are incapable of
providing adequate care because they are ignorant,... or simply
do not care.
This proposed ban on boas and pythons is a perfect example of
how an unresponsible minority can ruin things for the rest of
us. The time for ignoring this unresponsible minority is over.
When you see or hear of someone who is being unresponsible,
apathetic and/or greedy,...say or do something. If you are considering
purchasing a boa or python (or any reptile), carefully research
and consider your choices. After doing your research, choose
the reptile and retailer that is conducive with responsible
and ethical pet-ownership. It is up to us within the reptile
community to promote responsible and ethical treatment of reptiles.
If we don't do it,...the government will likely regulate our
industry to death.
Loren Pennebaker
owner & operator of Sundial Reptile
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