Well, looks like through all of our hard work and efforts HR 669 has gone to the great beyond. I do not think any of us will miss it. It would seem that it died about the best death possible for “our side”- it passed the sub-committee and was killed from above. Seems someone didn’t want 50,000+ letters on their desk in the next 10 days while it made its way up the ladder?
I would like thank PIJAC and USARK for their job very well done. Now it is time to reflect a bit.
There will be some type of significant (to us) legislation passed on the federal level regarding this issue in the next couple of years, likely sooner. It is my opinion that it is inevitable. There are too many very vocal groups calling for it and too many animals making the news. Frankly, some areas (like Guam) probably need it. The trick is to get something through that makes at least a little sense and that is where organizations like PIJAC and USARK come in. Due in large part to the reptile communities efforts with HR 669 these two organizations now have the lawmakers ear. The House sub committee, especially its Chairwoman will not be foolish enough to try this again anytime soon without our input. This drew way too much attention and the Representatives behind it got crushed.
It is also very disappointing that the USFWS is not a little more on the ball. These guys enforce these regulations and most of the time do not seem to have any idea what is going on or how they would even hope to enforce something like this. Anybody home?? The USFWS should have been among the most vocal against this silliness- It is beyond unenforcable even with 5 times their current budget. An unenforced or unenforcable law is much worse than no law at all.
Everybody- re-up your PIJAC / USARK memberships and give them some encouragement to put this thing to bed. While most of us would prefer not to have the government meddling in our lives more than they already do the best way through this is to get them to meddle in a constructive way with our input. To hope they will just go away is naive.
White Plains was a pretty good show, again. New security guy?? Seems like the usual obnoxious guy was not to be seen?? Maybe I missed him? Either way, went off without a hitch and we had a good time. Dr Lew managed to come a long as he had a business trip to NYC that Monday doing Dr stuff. Always good to have him on the team. We will be up there again in July and hope to see all of our regulars again.
After much debate I am moving out all of my Ball Pythons and going all “brumatable”. Nice word. I need to be able to pull the plug for three months and go with all frozen food. Practical issues that can not be avoided any longer. If you are interested in Poss het clown female subadults, Pieds, albinos or female pastels and spiders give Frank a call at 336 880 4238. He will be doing the dirty work!
Daytona is creeping up on us quick!