Stop! Before you run out and buy the issue:
[The following article is taken in whole from Reptiles magazine, July 2002 issue, vol. 10 , number 7]
Herpers in New York state and those who wish to support them should be aware of two bills to amend the state's conservation law that could seriously affect reptile keeping in the immediate future. The text of the bills, New York State Assembly bill A7375 and New York State Senate bill S4755, begins (somewhat hysterically):
"The legislature finds that keeping exotic animals as pets poses a serious threat to the health and safety of New York state residents. Wild animals, including but not limited to, monkeys, tigers and venomous snakes, are readily available for purchase throughout New York state. That these animals and other wild animals, are inherently dangerous and unsuited to domesticated life, is evidenced by the burgeoning number of privately owned wild animal attacks on humans."
You can view full text of the proposed bill at
http://assembly.state.ny.us. Enter the bill numbers under "Quick Bill Search" to read the full text.
The Long Island Herpetological Society (LIHS) has started an online petition in opposition to the bills. To view or sign the petition, visit
http://www.petitiononline.com/9673/petition.html. Says Richard Meyer, Jr. of the LIHS, "[This legislation] not only threatens the reptile hobby, but the keeping of many other exotic pets. While not all exotic animals may make god pets, the [legislature does not] have a clue about what they are attempting to legislate against." He adds, "Comments can be added to the petition, but think before you write. Make your comments [if any] constructive."
You may also contact individual assembly members about the bills; click the "Assembly Members" link on the assembly's home page.
If you are moved to comment, we urge you to think about what you've written before you send it. Be brief, stay on topic - and above all, be polite. Angry, rambling letters filled with curse words and personal attacks will hurt more than they help.
For a helpful fact sheet on how to effectively write to policymakers, visit
http://www.eff.org/congress.html
Now you can go. Cool pics on retics and also awesome article on reptile first aid.
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Some days, don't ya just wish you could reach through the screen and dope-slap somebody across the head?
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